Regional Sales Manager

Company Description

The Howe Company, founded in 1927 and based in Grove City, Pennsylvania, specializes in distributing high-quality candies, nuts, and freshly roasted coffee through a leading Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model across thirteen East Coast states. In addition to DSD, the company provides private label and direct ship services to brands and retailers nationwide. With nearly a century of expertise, Howe is committed to delivering premium products and exceptional service. The organization continues to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.

Job Description

The primary objective is to maintain and grow sales with all customers, existing and new. The Regional Sales Manager (RSM) is expected to teach, train, and motivate. The RSM must be willing and able to efficiently operate a company- owned or independent distributor (ID) route, possibly for extended periods of time. The job may require travel, including overnight stays. The RSM reports to the Director of Sales.

Experience in the food channel is expected. A solid understanding of how DSD works is a must. Supervision means overseeing our regional independent distributors, working with our existing store customers, calling on new accounts, setting racks and servicing stores with products, handling complaints face-to-face when possible, and communicating well with our VP of Sales. Key focus in addition to managing distributor network is to sell into local and approved national accounts, especially Walmart stores.

· The ideal candidate must know the industry, be willing to achieve sales on an account-by-account basis, be an excellent communicator, and relate well with our customers, independent distributors, and fellow employees. In other words: cooperate with others and be willing to work!

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Manage a network of 12 independent distributors located in NJ, NY, PA, Maryland and Delaware, with possible expansion into New England markets

· Operate and train others on efficient operation of the handheld tablet

· Route operations – scheduling, merchandising, inventory management, etc., to ensure that all aspects of the job remain current

· Fully understand and be able to explain Howe’s “Distributor Settlement Process” as well as the administrative functions required to support the processes

· Customer service – must professionally resolve problems and conflicts

· Assist in resolving account receivable issues

· Make frequent customer sales calls (existing and new) on behalf of and in coordination with Howe sales distributors and IDs on chain stores and independent locations

· Ability to call on local Walmart stores to get product line into the store, as brand is approved for all Walmart's but needs to be sold at store level

· Merchandising Standards – pricing, assortment, rotation, product placement, etc.

· Work with distributors to ensure they follow corporate guidelines and accurately manage their inventory situation

· Build customer relationships via regular communication (in person, phone, electronic, etc.)

· Present programs, new items, promotions and price increase implementation

· Monitor and maintain accurate item information with customers

· Identify and approach new customers

· IDs – personal visits within their respective geographic area at least once per quarter, independent audits when necessary

· Accounts – goal is to have “face-to-face” appointments as often as possible with a minimum requirement of an annual business review

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Company car
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Work Location: On the road