What was your starting point at Nestlé Purina and how did you end up in your current position?
I started out as a PFME (Product Fixed Marketing Expense) Analyst in 2009, working with our brand marketing teams on analyzing their advertising and promotional spend. In 2012, I was promoted to Financial Analyst of our Intermarket Business Group – a group that facilitates the sale of Nestlé Purina products to numerous Nestlé affiliate countries across the globe. In 2014, I was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst of Cost of Goods Sold. I relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2016 to join our Sales team as a Business Analyst working on accounts. Following two years in the Business Analyst role, I relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2018 to begin my current role in our Sales Finance group as a Senior Financial Analyst.
What kind of work did you do prior to Nestlé Purina?
Previously, I was an Internal Auditor for Pinnacle Entertainment. I worked on a team responsible for conducting regulatory and operational audits for the company's casino, hotel, food and beverage operations in Missouri, Mississippi, and Indiana. I had some close friends working at Nestlé Purina, who always had great things to say about the company and how they loved working here. Once an opening in the finance department was posted, it was a no-brainer to apply. I've continued to stay here because of the culture offered by the company and focus on developing employees.
What's your favorite part about working at Nestlé Purina?
My favorite part about working at Nestlé Purina is it’s not just about sales and profit. The company is passionate about pets, our planet, and sustainability. In 2020, Nestlé Purina reached its goal of achieving zero waste for disposal across all of our 21 manufacturing sites and at our headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. More specifically, each of our locations across the United States now recycle, reuse, recover, or compost waste from daily operations. It is this focus on sustainability, along with responsible ingredient sourcing for our products makes me proud to work hard at Nestlé Purina.
So, you work in Sales. What are your main responsibilities?
I collaborate with and support my sales teams using data and analytics, combined with financial analysis of our customer accounts. These analytics help drive decision making to achieve our company net sales and profit targets. I also assess performance of trade investments and activities to recommend improvements that will drive the desired results in our business plan with the customer in a more effective and efficient way.
How has the company helped you achieve your goals?
Professionally, the company has provided me opportunities to learn in different departments of the organization, as well as develop and advance my career. In my personal life, Nestlé Purina provides many opportunities to volunteer in the communities we operate in. One past opportunity I took part in was volunteering for the Ferguson Youth Initiative, a non-profit organization centered on promoting positive and healthy experiences for adolescents residing in Ferguson, Missouri.
What advice would you give a new hire just beginning their career here?
Literally, be a sponge. Soak up and learn as much as you can about how the day-to-day actions of your role affect the business' overall performance. Also, seek to understand the same from other associates in the organization. Lastly, don't hesitate to begin building your network. Those relationships will help support your learning and development moving forward.
Work-life balance is important at Nestlé Purina. What are you passionate about outside of work?
While living in Grand Rapids Michigan, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Grand Rapids Public School District as a 5th grade basketball coach. Growing up, I had countless people (parents, extended family, coaches, & mentors) invest their time in me to ensure I developed and stayed on the right track. That investment others gave so that I could succeed was influential in my life and something I hope to provide to others. Currently, here in Scottsdale, AZ, I serve as the Treasurer for my church, which is very active in the local community. Lastly, during my free time, one of my hobbies is working on improving my golf game (or lack thereof).
If you are considering joining the Nestlé Purina family, we encourage you to view our open sales opportunities and apply today.
