[Hiring] CPG Division Sales Manager @Ajinomoto Foods North America

Role Description

Ideal candidates currently reside in the Grand Rapid, MI area or in North/South Carolina. Deliver annual profit plan as determined by Ajinomoto Foods management by assisting the Director of Sales in developing and executing a strategic plan within the assigned territory.

• Achieve profitability and volume objectives in assigned markets and customers.
• Include direct customer management as well as Broker management.
• Experience managing branded product portfolio with potential to pursue high volume Private Brand opportunities.
• Work with broker and marketing to develop presentations to sell company products and programs to assigned customers.
• Establish personal relationships with brokers and key customers.
• Plan market business strategies with individual brokers and establish annual volume and promotional spending plans for each broker market and direct customer.
• Manage promotional process and deduction resolution through the Account Review system.
• Manage the forecasting process for assigned customers using the systems provided by the company.
• Direct, motivate, train, implement corrective action plans, and hire brokers in assigned markets and customers.
• Train brokers in the features and benefits of products and services.
• Introduce new products and programs for market execution.
• Train brokers in appropriate administrative procedures.
• Manage sales budgets for assigned markets, including promotional spending, samples, meetings, travel, and entertainment.
• Analyze IRI and Shopper data to identify opportunities and develop actionable customer strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in sales/broker management, direct customer responsibilities and/or related consumer food products experience in the Grocery Channel.
• Preferred experience managing Meijer and/or Southeast based accounts, or equivalent sized retailers.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable customer strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be organized and work within a broad range of functional areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, brokers, and field sales.
• Ability to work well in a “team” environment.
• Proficient skills in budgeting, forecasting, promotional analysis, written and oral communications, presentation skills, and personal computing (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Position requires stamina and ability to handle multiple tasks, make decisions, and at times work with ambiguous situations.
• Must be able to work under time constraints.
• Must be a self-starter and have the ability and focus to work from a remote office location.