Jim Albus Email & Phone Number

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Area

Carlisle, PA

Support merchandising efforts of the DSD and Ethnic/Specialty/Kosher teams by leveraging internal, market, and customer insights via multiple sources such as EYC, Nielsen, Microstrategy, and Market Track to identify and close opportunity gaps and better serve our customers' needs.

Hershey PA

• Supported the Hershey/Reese/Seasonal Marketing teams by developing/sharing marketplace insights to drive actionable/strategic business decisions via use of various external and internal data sources
• Managed seasonal analysis process and provided in-depth, multiple source analysis of Holiday 2014, Valentine 2015, and Easter 2015 seasons with recommendations for future seasonal executions.
• Developed and implemented successful Nielsen panel and dunnhumby loyalty card training program for GKI Marketplace Insights team.
• Identified $26M opportunity with Reese Sticks by expanding packtype availability. Led to launch of Reese Sticks Minis (January 2016).
• Analysis of 2012 S’mores season led to creation of “fifth season” for Hershey incorporating S’mores, Twizzlers, and Syrup.
• Developed comprehensive on-boarding “Case for Seasons” presentation for new directors, vice presidents highlighting strength of a $1.7B business for Hershey.

Hershey PA

• Developed customer specific promotional calendars/programs to maximize sales and profit for both the customer and Hershey.
• Facilitated multiple Top to Top meetings with key Food retailers/key personnel to develop tactical/strategic wins in terms of promotions, planograms, and merchandising.
• Helped East Food team develop 2009 promotional plans that delivered $381.8M (+$6M over plan), 35.2% SAM (+115 bps above plan) and 93% conversion rate (87% target), and managed DME’s under budget ($635K versus $950K).
• Developed “White Space” program that allowed for internal tele-assist personnel to contact retailers that did not receive regular coverage. Initial programs resulted in $332.5K in incremental sales.
• Successfully created multiple customer specific events around key Hershey programs (NASCAR, Brad Paisley, S’mores, NCAA) that drove market share and merchandising activities.

Hershey PA

• As the first Category Development Manager for the newly created Snacks Division, I supported the team by providing analysis/insights on new platforms at retail. I developed presentations/education decks and additional.
• Developed educational/promotional decks and launch indexing tools for Cookies, Smart Zone bars, and Snack Barz launches.
• Developed tracking tools and “performance on a page” tools highlighting snacking performance within key customers.
• Designed and implemented “Snacking Hacking” training guide for new category development managers, interns to help with analytics in the Snacking database.

Hershey PA

• I assisted with the development of effective merchandising programs/solutions targeted to increase sales, profits, and market share across all Hershey packtypes and classes of trade.
• Designed Merchandising Magic book that highlighted Hershey permanent racks as well as developed strategies and ROI models for placement of fixtures at retail.
• Worked with selected key customers to develop customized fixtures.
• Managed permanent fixture rack budget ($9.5M) and front end budgets ($16M).
• Implemented and updated Front End “best demonstrated practice” manual for use by Field Sales team.
• Led Loose Bar Carton redesign team to improve appearance at retail.

Hershey PA

• I assisted Field Sales and National Accounts with category management projects to include planograms/efficient assortment projects, seasonal analysis, and promotional program evaluations.
• Prepared and presented Holiday 1998, Valentines 1999, and Easter 1999 seasonal reviews for Kmart, Eckerd, and Target. Seasonal performance based on recommendations +15% or +$5.8M.
• Planogram/efficient assortment efforts in 1999 resulted in +6.7% (+$8m) growth for Kmart, +13 new SKUs (+$5M) for Eckerd, and +21% growth (+$15M) at Target.
• Launched and facilitated first versions of “Confectionery College”.

Greater Seattle Area

I acted as a “consultant” to the Seattle Region sales team in assessing District/Region account performance and opportunities via various category management specific projects and initiatives.

Spokane, Washington Area

• As the first District Account Supervisor in the Spokane District, I was responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and motivating a part-time sales team. I was also responsible for insuring that assigned direct.
• Developed and built first Retail Sales Merchandising program within Spokane District.
• As account manager for Coremark Spokane, Hershey became the first confection company to pass $1M dollars in factory sales (1993). 1993 President’s Cup Award Winner for exceeding sales objective.

Missoula, Montana Area

I implemented Hershey promotional/merchandising programs and initiatives in both direct and indirect accounts in Western Montana area.

Bs-Ba, Business, 3.37

Activities and Societies: I was involved in Student Government for two years . . . one year as a Student Government Senator and the second.

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.), 3.65

Obtained my MBA while working full-time as a District Account Supervisor with The Hershey Company.