Trade Planning and Deduction Clearing Specialist

Who We Are

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.

What We Do 

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role  

The Trade Planner serves as a key liaison between C.A. Carlin’s Sales Team and select clients’ Trade Finance teams, ensuring customer promotions are entered accurately and in a timely manner.

In this role, you will:

• Build strong relationships with clients and confidently communicate with client contacts through phone and email.
• Learn and navigate a variety of trade management and deduction management systems to accurately enter and maintain promotional plans for assigned clients.
• Help develop and maintain formal procedures, processes, and timelines for trade planning to ensure C.A. Carlin consistently meets and exceeds client expectations.
• Review customer deductions for accuracy and determine the validity of each deduction.
• Maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail while managing multiple clients, deadlines, and priorities.
• Work independently while collaborating closely with the Sales Team and internal partners.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment and support continuous process improvement.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence interacting with clients and business partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong data entry and analytical skills with a focus on accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel; experience with Adobe Acrobat is also preferred.
• Previous trade planning experience is preferred.
• Previous CPG industry experience is a plus.
• Experience with deduction management or clearing is preferred.
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, and client requirements quickly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A resourceful, positive, and solutions-oriented approach to your work.

• Location: Schaumburg, IL
• Schedule: Hybrid
• Salary: $53,000–$58,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and skills
• Classification: Non-Exempt

Perks

• PTO and Sick Days
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 1 Floating Holiday
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility

Come As You Are

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.