Area Sales Manager - Purina

Vermont Creamery, L.L.C.; Arden Hills (MN); Remote; USD 120,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the agricultural sector seeks an Area Sales Manager to lead their Purina sales team in the Northeast U.S. This remote role involves managing team performance, developing strategic business plans, and building retail relationships to drive profitability. With a focus on leadership and collaboration, the ideal candidate will possess extensive sales experience in agriculture, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years sales experience, with 5+ years in agriculture.
• Knowledge of nutrition applicable to species.
• Budget management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the sales team to meet goals.
• Build relationships with key customers and account leadership.
• Execute marketing plans and track business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Strategic skills

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture or related field

Job description

Area Sales Manager - Purina

This remote position will lead, coach, and manage the Purina Area sales team to meet sales objectives and goals within the Northeast U.S., including ME/PA/NY/MD.

The objective of this position is to develop and manage talent strategies, retail relationships, and sales team efforts to grow profitability in the territory.

Responsibilities:

1. Sales Leadership:

• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop the sales team to meet sales goals in Livestock, Lifestyle, additives, and milk replacer categories.
• Meet or exceed sales and budget expectations.
• Support team members in selling key accounts and driving volume/income.
• Ensure ongoing development of team skills.
• Provide feedback and manage performance.
• Develop people through opportunities, feedback, and planning.
• Ensure Master Alignment Plans are executed.

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Develop strategies with marketing, supply chain, and other departments.
• Build relationships with key customers and account leadership.

Business and Strategic Goals:

• Lead the development and implementation of business plans.
• Execute marketing plans, including distribution and mergers.
• Use scorecards to track goals.
• Manage partner relationships.

Required Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• 7+ years sales experience, 5+ in agriculture, with team leadership.
• Knowledge of nutrition applicable to species.
• Strong management, analytical, and strategic skills.
• Proven track record in volume growth and profit addition.
• Experience in sourcing, developing, and motivating talent.
• Budget management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead through change and utilize CRM and virtual tools.
• Willingness to travel overnight 50-60%.

The salary range for this role is $120,880 - $181,320. Grade: E15