[Hiring] Regional Distributor Manager @Champion Petfoods

Role Description

The Regional Distributor Manager, U.S. is accountable for delivering sales growth, market share expansion, distribution gains, and execution excellence through Champion's distributor partners within an assigned region. Reporting to the Director, U.S. Sales, Neighborhood Pet, this role serves as the primary business lead for distributor performance and development.

• Translates national sales strategy into regional execution plans.
• Drives business results through distributor leadership, joint business planning, retailer engagement, sales capability development, and disciplined performance management.
• Builds strong distributor partnerships, improves execution at retail, develops distributor sales teams, and delivers profitable growth throughout the region.
• This is a fully remote position, ideally located near Boulder (CO), Dallas (TX), Phoenix (AZ), or Southern California (CA) with 40-50% travel expected.

Responsibilities

• Distributor Performance Ownership:
  • Own sales, distribution, and execution results across assigned distributor partners and territories.
  • Hold distributors accountable to annual sales targets, distribution objectives, promotional programs, and strategic growth priorities.
  • Monitor distributor performance through established KPIs and implement corrective action plans when required.
  • Regularly evaluate distributor effectiveness, market coverage, resource allocation, and return on investment.
• Distributor Strategy & Business Planning:
  • Develop and execute Joint Business Plans with distributor partners aligned to national sales objectives and growth strategies.
  • Identify opportunities to increase market penetration, distribution points, retailer productivity, and share growth.
  • Lead annual planning, forecasting, and business review processes with assigned distributors.
  • Align distributor investments and resources to maximize commercial performance and customer impact.
• Driving Execution Through Distributor Sales Teams:
  • Influence, coach, and develop Distributor Sales Representatives (DSRs) to improve execution and sales effectiveness.
  • Conduct regular market visits to evaluate retail execution, merchandising standards, assortment compliance, and promotional effectiveness.
  • Deliver sales training, product education, and business development support to distributor sales organizations.
  • Ensure execution excellence against merchandising, pricing, promotional, and distribution objectives.
• Retail Customer Development:
  • Partner with key regional and independent retail customers to support growth, distribution expansion, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct customer business reviews and identify opportunities to strengthen Champion's market position.
  • Support distributor teams in developing retailer-specific growth strategies and action plans.
  • Build trusted relationships that position Champion as a strategic partner.
• Forecasting, Analytics & Financial Management:
  • Maintain accurate regional forecasts and provide timely updates on risks and opportunities.
  • Manage trade investments and promotional spending to maximize ROI and profitability.
  • Analyze sales performance, market trends, customer results, and distributor productivity to identify opportunities for growth.
  • Provide regular business updates and recommendations to the Director, U.S. Sales.
• Market Leadership:
  • Represent Champion Petfoods at industry events, trade shows, distributor meetings, and customer engagements.
  • Deliver insights regarding competitive activity, consumer trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to ensure successful execution of business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive sales experience within the pet industry, consumer packaged goods, or a related distribution-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success managing distributor relationships and driving growth through indirect sales channels.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business plans that deliver revenue growth, distribution gains, and improved customer performance.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, business analysis, and ROI management.
• Experience influencing and developing sales teams without direct reporting authority.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze market data and translate insights into actionable growth strategies.
• Highly collaborative, self-motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and sales reporting tools.
• Ability to travel approximately 40-50% within assigned geography.

Benefits

• Salary range from USD$115,000 to USD$158,000, 401k with Company, and donation matching.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• A dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety.
• Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

Company Description

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.