Meet an employee: Business Development Manager Riikka Jukarainen

A brief description of yourself and your career

I have worked with almost the whole of my career in the field of FMCG, mainly in marketing but always with a sales emphasis. I have worked at Conaxess Trade Finland since 2004. Prior to my current role, I worked in Brand Management team, being responsible for many of our great brands over the years in both food and confectionery categories.

Describe your current area of ​​responsibility and duties

My main task is to act as the ‘engine’ of the company’s growth and development, and we are constantly recruiting new principals. My role consists of monitoring the market and product categories, consumer trends and our business environment, meetings with various companies and people, market potential surveys, business and growth plans as well as product launches.

My job requires deep understanding of the overall business, a drive for growth and an ability to make decisions.

My role is also to support the positive development of the brands we are responsible for, and to strive to develop and support our operations as an outstanding distributor partner, supplier and employer.

What is the best thing about your job?

I love the diversity of my work. I get to know many different product groups, companies and brands, as well as different people and cultures. The best thing about my job is seeing how a collaboration with a new brand starts to bear fruit. I am glad to be able to say that this has actualized with many brands that have started cooperation with Conaxess Trade Finland in recent years. Our company is on the path of strong growth and success, and I am pleased to play my part in supporting this development.

How do you support the growth of the brands in your own position?

We work with power brands and those who want to become one. I strive to find brands with growth potential, and to help them flourish in our representation. It is also significant that the brands we represent, contribute to each other – in which case each party wins.