Trade Compliance Analyst jobs in Southaven, MS

Company Description

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA.  Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.  We are committed to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees.  We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

Job Description

The Trade Promotions Analyst is responsible for ensuring that Stratas trade, brokerage, label, marketing and promotional programs are properly established and maintained in the applicable systems, and for safeguarding company assets by promptly validating and processing payment and deduction data.  This will be accomplished by maintaining accurate and orderly physical files and computer databases, and by facilitating the flow of payment and deduction processing through consistent and timely resolution.

1. Set up and maintain marketing/promotion items in the applicable system (trade rebates, brokerage, buying group rebates, MAP funds, operator promotions, label allowances, etc).  Maintain applicable system/database to reflect and track deals offered by sales.
2. Research inquiries from customers and business partners related to promotional items, and communicate findings promptly.
3. Process and maintain applicable system or database for the preparation of payment requests for trade related items, and ensure approval is obtained before submitting to A/P for payment.
4. Receive incoming deduction documents and support from team members or customers for trade related items, and review to determine if the program has been set up.  When support from the customer is not adequate, contact the customers to determine the nature/details of their claim and to obtain additional backup.  .
5. Enter or review customer data in the applicable database to determine the validity of the customer’s claim and the related available accrual.  Analyze database items for accuracy compared to customer deductions/payment requests, price changes, etc.
6. Prepare credit requests for items that are supported by existing trade programs.  Resolve any discrepancies with Sales and/or customers.
7. For invalid trade deduction items, contact the customer to secure repayment providing necessary information to support the amount allowed by Stratas for the trade program.
8. Maintain deduction database information in the Blacksmith system, and maintain physical files of deductions currently open and in the resolution process.
9. Prepare reports as needed to track the status of payment requests and deduction balances, and to communicate progress to Stratas management.  Develop/maintain reports to communicate trade spending information, accrual balances and to support monthly P/L variance analysis.
10. Other projects as requested by management to support the Finance department.
11. Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.

Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor's degree in a business related field required or equivalent experience.

Related Experience:  1 - 3 years business experience.  Experience in Customer Service, Sales/Marketing or Accounting/Finance is strongly preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills:  Excellent knowledge of all Microsoft Office, database access, and spreadsheet programs (should be able to create formulas, link and summarize data, etc.) required.   Must be able to quickly learn new system applications.  Experience working with databases and exporting to Excel is preferred.

Competencies:

1. Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
2. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions.  Works well with both internal and external customers.
3. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Makes timely decisions.  Uses strong reasoning and negotiation skills to secure repayment from customers for invalid items.
4. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
5. Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail and accuracy to document and trade promotion data

Additional Information

Physical:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands for extended periods of time in front of a computer monitor and use a computer keyboard.  The employee will also occasionally stand and walk to the copy room and throughout the building to interact with other departments.

Sensory:  Close vision needed for working on a computer for long lengths of time.  Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.   The noise level for this position is usually moderate.

Mental/Reasoning:  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  This position requires a great deal of learning, reasoning and analyzing.  Mental reasoning is required to analyze data for accuracy and validity.

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance