Laura Abita Kleinberg
Edgewater,USA
Work Preference
Summary
Goal-oriented professional with hands-on experience in all areas of CPG development and management. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem solving, and collaboration. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant Private Brand Development/Management
Allegiance Retail Services
01.2025 - 11.2025
- Developed a project timeline that aligned with Allegiance's goals and initiatives.
- Collaborated with Allegiance management team and Daymon in house manager on go forward product assortment recommendations and SKU rationalization for new exclusive private brand launch.
- Formulated annual case and dollar sales projections for 600+ items included in the original RFP process.
- Analyzed and offered retail pricing strategies for new private brand comparisons to national brand equivalent items.
- Partnered with Allegiance management team and Daymon design team on all aspects of new package design development.
Business Manager/Account Lead
AdvantageSolutions/Daymon
06.2015 - 12.2024
- Managed operations and sales activities for Daymon at Allegiance Retail Services/Foodtown & King Kullen Supermarkets, managing a portfolio of $25M in combined private brand sales.
- Increased Daymon supplier representation, from 11 to 42 suppliers in the first 4 years at Allegiance Retail Services.
- Re-launched Green Way Organic/Natural Label at Allegiance Retail Services in 2016 after acquiring the intellectual property from A&P Supermarkets upon their divestiture.
- Created yearly objectives, budgets, quarterly and semi-annual business plans, and reviews for both accounts.
- Executed new category launches and introductory plans.
- Communicated information and opportunities with customers and principal upper management to demonstrate the Daymon advantage.
- Developed category-specific marketing plans and solutions for private brands.
- Presented Daymon service package and negotiated contracts for new principals.
Business Manager Grocery/GM
Palisades International
10.2009 - 02.2013
- Managed a portfolio of over $56M in America’s Choice/Own Brand item sales across 20 combined Grocery and General Merchandise categories as in-house Own Brand Broker Manager for Palisades International.
- Collaborated with the A&P Sourcing & Merchandising Teams on developing new America’s Choice/Own Brand items, from initial concept to product completion.
- Assisted the A&P Sourcing Department in researching manufacturers’ capabilities, meeting product specifications for America’s Choice new item development, and participating in annual full-category sourcing bids.
- Aligned the A&P Quality Assurance Department with manufacturers to participate in America’s Choice new and ongoing product cuttings to ensure existing manufacturers continue to meet product specifications.
- Worked alongside the A&P Brand Management Team on new America’s Choice product packaging designs and developing marketing strategies.
- Consulted with the A&P Planogram Team on space management and product placement to achieve ideal shelf positioning for America’s Choice products.
- Worked with the A&P Pricing Department on implementing new item pricing strategies and spot checks for maintenance of existing item pricing structures.
- Developed America’s Choice ad plans and negotiated ad space and timing with A&P Category Managers to increase sales for Own Brand’s manufacturers and A&P.
Category Manager HBC
Duane Reade
08.2006 - 06.2009
- Managed a portfolio of over $100M for the following HBC categories: Hair Care, Oral Care, Men’s Grooming, Deodorant, and Baby Care.
- Achieved ongoing GPM%, and GPMS sales growth in all categories.
- Developed corporate ad plans, displays, and seasonal programs, which generated maximum sales and profits.
- Negotiated with vendors to maximize promotional and incentive funds.
- Conducted in-depth category reviews with an analytic team, culminating in an optimum product mix.
- Selected as one of the top 200 HBC executives for three consecutive years in Health & Beauty Care Executive, as Category Manager for Duane Reade.
Senior Business Manager
Daymon Worldwide
10.2000 - 08.2006
- Managed and directed on-site operations and sales activities for Daymon at Pathmark with $143M in private brand sales and a team of seven people.
- Created yearly objectives, budgets, quarterly and semi-annual business plans, and reviews.
- Exceeded budgeted sales goals by 5% to 6% for three consecutive years.
- Executed new Pathmark Brand category launches and introductory plans.
- Communicated information and opportunities with customers and principal upper management to demonstrate the Daymon advantage.
- Developed category-specific marketing plans and solutions for private brands at Pathmark.
- Presented Daymon service package and negotiated contracts for new principals.
Category Manager Health & Beauty Care
Grand Union Corporation
01.1995 - 10.2000
- Developed corporate ad plans, displays, and seasonal programs, which generated maximum sales and profits.
- Negotiated with vendors to maximize promotional and incentive funds.
- Conducted in-depth category reviews that culminated in an optimum product mix.
- Developed and updated private label product selection.
Merchandising and Service Representative
Polaroid Corporation
01.1986 - 01.1987
- Serviced selected accounts by merchandising and displaying all existing products.
- Inventoried all products to assist dealers in recognizing their current stock status and placed orders to correct stock imbalances.
- Trained store personnel to effectively demonstrate products and create an awareness of policies and promotions.
- Received top display awards for three consecutive quarters.
Production/Customer Service Manager
QPL Photographics
01.1983 - 01.1986
- Supervised all order entry and customer service personnel.
- Assisted sales staff in developing proposals for clients.
- Reviewed all production orders to ensure jobs were written per client specifications and completed within time constraints.
Education
B.A. - Business Administration
William Paterson University
01-1989
Skills
- Project analysis & implementation
- Consumer and category insights
- Strategic sales planning and development
- Budgeting and financial management
- Stakeholder and vendor negotiation
- Promotional planning and forecasting
- Merchandising and marketing strategies
- Problem solving and process optimization
Certification
Adaptability & Resilience - McKinsey & Company - Issued March 2023
Problem Solving - McKinsey & Company - Issued May 2023
Business Strategy - McKinsey & Company - Issued June 2023
Management Accelerator - McKinsey & Company - Issued July 2023
Timeline
Consultant Private Brand Development/Management
Allegiance Retail Services
01.2025 - 11.2025
Business Manager/Account Lead
AdvantageSolutions/Daymon
06.2015 - 12.2024
Business Manager Grocery/GM
Palisades International
10.2009 - 02.2013
Category Manager HBC
Duane Reade
08.2006 - 06.2009
Senior Business Manager
Daymon Worldwide
10.2000 - 08.2006
Category Manager Health & Beauty Care
Grand Union Corporation
01.1995 - 10.2000
Merchandising and Service Representative
Polaroid Corporation
01.1986 - 01.1987
Production/Customer Service Manager
QPL Photographics
01.1983 - 01.1986
B.A. - Business Administration
William Paterson University