ABBOTT LABORATORIES Retail Development Specialist - Chicago, IL Salary in the United States

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Position Summary

The Retail Sales organization is accountable for the direct sales of the Division’s nutritional products to retailers, wholesalers, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. The Department generates over 70% of Divisional income with total dollars that exceed $3B annually Retail Sales supports Divisional business objectives and forges strong strategic business alliances with key retail customers. Category management, shopper marketing, technology, and the application of consistently strong business acumen are critical success factors. The Retail Development Program (RDP) provides high-potential entry-level Abbott Nutrition employees with the opportunity to gain skills and experiences through challenging assignments across multiples disciplines within Retail Sales. The RDP member's primary objective is to successfully complete two challenging rotational assignments that span a maximum of two-years. Each assignment will be 6-12 months in length and be located in one of the following markets: Columbus, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Bentonville, Northern California.

Main Responsibilities

The first mandatory assignment is in Retail Operations.

The objective of this position will be the merchandising/distribution of consumer and nutritional products to food, drug and mass merchandiser accounts within the defined geographic area and/or accounts as assigned.

The RDP will develop their territory to increase off-shelf distribution and eliminate out-of-stocks, which will ultimately increase sales and establish productive account relationships.

The second assignment area will vary with heavy focus on building strong analytical capabilities.

Rotation through the RDP does not guarantee placement in the organization.

Placement is earned through performance within each assignment.

The RDP will report directly to the Sr.

Manager, Sales Operations and will also have a temporary manager for each assignment for day-to-day activities.

Accountability

Reports to Sr. Manager, Sales Operations.

Accountable for consistent communication with Assignment Manager and Mentor.

Regular interactions with team members and other members of the Retail sales force.

Successful completion of assignments within time-frame specified.

No department budget responsibility.

Qualifications

B.S. or B.A. degree required.   Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong analytical ability. Good judgment, planning and organization skills, high work standards, energy, initiative, flexibility, decisiveness and proven problem-solving skills. Experience in sales, marketing sales operations, financial, customer service or information technology preferred. Computer Literate. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and email applications (Outlook).