**The ideal candidate for this position will be based in or around the general Chicago area, as the role will require regular travel to various regions in Illinois and surrounding states .**

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Sales & Marketing, the Regional Sales Manager (RSM) is responsible for achieving maximum sales profitability and market penetration in an assigned area through the development of positive, mutual relationships with a network of independent distributors and Retail Trade. This role is also responsible for overseeing and managing sales activities with key accounts. The RSM communicates the company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to all headquarter customers and independent distributors in the assigned region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining proactive and professional relations with the Retail Trade and Independent Distributors, while acting as key liaison between Director of Sales & Marketing and Independent Distributor.
• Responsible for managing and overseeing sales activities and ongoing communication with key accounts and headquarter calls.
• Manages and fosters all aspects of the business relationship as the Company’s representative for small and mid-size business.
• Works with a network of brokers and distributors.
• Work with retail store managers and store decision-makers to reinforce that the Company supports independent distributors and values their relations with the Company.
• Maintain regular retail chain contacts with frequent visits to support service levels – understanding that the independent distributors, not the company, sell products to the stores on their route.
• Offer information on industry performance and service measurements including new product sales, display execution opportunities, retail store feedback; all to be communicated through business persuasion and in a manner without exercising any direction or control over the independent distributor.
• Communicate company’s focus to all Independent Distributors willing to accept such information - facilitate improvements in results of independent distributors by providing information so they can be fully informed of the Company’s targets for sales, stale, service, merchandising standards, and product/mix distribution.
• From time-to-time, may be required to occasionally run an open route.
• Support the Director of Sales & Marketing at regularly scheduled workshop meetings intended to offer independent distributors the opportunity to voluntarily enhance their operational expertise. Encourage Independent Distributors to utilize all tools and mediums available to realize the full sales potential of their business.
• Work closely with Regional Warehouse Managers in assigned areas to support in their duties and responsibilities to assure all company goals are met.
• Offer full-day route ride-a-longs, only at the request of the Independent Distributor, to offer route optimization and skill sharing opportunities.
• Responsible for recruiting new independent operators.
• Responsible for on-boarding, coaching, and monitoring sales goals of new recruits.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.
• Helps to ensure the quality and safety of food products.

Required Skills/Abilities:

The strong candidate will possess the skills and characteristics to be successful in sales operations such as strong and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to build proactive and professional relationships. This candidate should be energetic and eager to learn Independent Distribution models. This position requires the ability to prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to meet the day’s objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Additional skills for this position include:

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to meet the day’s objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of Independent Distribution / Independent Operator (I/O) models preferred.
• Capability to build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.
• Requires ethical selling and negotiation skills that can be shared with independent operators at their request.
• Proactive communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have attention to detail, organization, and ability to prioritize.
• Headquarters and key account experience.

Education and Experience:

• 5-10 years’ experience in sales operations, preferably in the snack, grocery, or beverage industry. Account management selling food/snacks/beverages.
• Functional knowledge and proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Experience with warehouse brokerage.
• Experience with DSD sales and distributor networks.
• Satisfactory MVR (Motor Vehicle Report).
• No drivers under age 25 with any violations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to constantly position self to transport items from floor to storage areas.
• Must be able to constantly position self to transport items from floor to storage areas.
• Must be able to lift, push, transport, and pull up to and over 40lbs.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Employee will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Brim's Snack Foods is an equal opportunity employer and a TN Drug Free Workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Company car
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Yearly bonus

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Travel requirement:

• Travel

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to travel locally and/or out-of-state up to 75% of the time?

Experience:

• Sales: 3 years (Required)
• Customer relationship management: 1 year (Required)
• Direct Store Delivery (DSD): 1 year (Required)
• Sales experience in the snack, grocery, or beverage industry: 1 year (Preferred)
• Key Accounts: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: On the road