[Hiring] Director of Sales @Critical Mass Group

Role Description

• Create, build and maintain strong partnerships with distributors and retailers to grow brands in the assigned geography.
• Execute the go-to-market strategy for brands in retail channels in the assigned geography:
  • Drive sales in current footprint.
  • Expand into new regions with regional and national banners.
  • Grow footprint of regional chains through distribution network.
  • Build sustainable, long-term relationships with retailer partners.
  • Emphasize continued education with internal and external sales teams on category management, innovation, market conditions, competitor knowledge, and trends in their assigned geography.
• Develop, present, and execute brand promotional plans on a retailer-by-retailer basis.
• Improve execution of distribution, new item introductions, schematic implementation, promotional plans, forecasts, and channel strategies.
• Communicate with distributor partners to execute trade execution with upcoming promotional programs and activities.
• Participate in distributor kick-offs, reoccurring meetings, and ride-alongs to promote the company brands.
• Prepare, develop, and deliver metrics and analytical reports for internal team and brand partners.
• Request and analyze distribution reports to determine market coverage and opportunities for future growth.
• Conduct store audits to ensure merchandising standards and promotional programming are executed.
• Build a seamless connection internally with management to track and manage promotional spending and accrual funds.
• Work with management to understand business and functional requirements and implement solutions.
• Optimize sales and operational efficiency through innovative thinking, process improvement, data manipulation, system enhancement, and best practices.
• Assure a high level of customer service by handling customer concerns proactively.
• Resolve customer issues by following appropriate administrative processes and escalating issues to management as appropriate.
• Understand, create, and deliver high-quality audience-appropriate communication with brand partners.
• Report back progress, successes, and challenges to management in a timely manner.
• Provide strong leadership and culture to all direct reports.
• Effectively lead and motivate a growing sales team.
• Oversee the divisional sales team to ensure company quotas and standards are met.
• Identify knowledge gaps within the team and develop a plan to fulfill them.
• Manage mid-year and end-of-year review processes.
• Coordinate and participate in trade shows (e.g., Expo East/West, Fancy Foods, and distributor shows).
• Demonstrate a passion for all of the Company’s products.
• Embrace the brand image and model the Company’s cultures, values, and behavior.

Qualifications

• Passionate about food and beverages.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A or B.S) in Sales, Business Administration, or Business Management.
• 10+ years of successful sales experience with increased responsibility with retail customers.
• Established relationships and demonstrated success working with Walmart and associated distributors.
• Working knowledge of financials used in the sales process such as costing, margin, profitability, promotional spending, and allowances.
• Passionate and results-oriented individual who demonstrates persistence in the face of obstacles.
• Strong planning and organizational skills along with excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Full competence with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a hands-on, fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Highly adaptable and resourceful; proactive versus reactive.
• Proficient in Syndicated Data Tools including, but not limited to SPINs, IRI, Nielsen, etc.