Director of Sales

Central Garden & Pet Company; Neptune City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company in Neptune City, NJ is seeking a Director of Sales for the Dog and Cat BU. The role partners with the SVP of Sales to drive revenue across assigned customers and channels, including key trade shows and events, with office-based and potential remote work requiring travel to NJ.

You will work with internal BU teams and customers to maximize sales and ensure information accuracy on the Central sales portal. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sales experience with leadership responsibility.
• Pet industry or related field preferred (2+ years).
• Proven ability to drive strategic sales plans and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic sales plans aligned with company goals.
• Lead and inspire the Central sales team; collaborate with BU and channels.
• Monitor budgets, analyze financial data, and ensure profitability.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Team management

PowerPoint

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Location: Neptune City, NJ, United States

The Director of Sales for the Dog and cat BU will work closely with SVP sales with a focus on either specific customers and/or channel specific customers (For example IFE Sales team and customers). The director of sales will support all brands within the Dog and Cat BU. They will lead sales efforts in coordination with the appropriate Central sales team for customers or channels of assigned primary responsibility. This will include attending key customer line reviews (in person and virtual), sales training (sales and customers) as well as major trade shows and events.

This position will be reviewed as both in Neptune NJ office in person and possible remote position that requires travel to the NJ office. Both require business travel for customer meetings and sales meetings as business necessary. This position will help inspire the broader Central sales team to maximize sales and profits for the brands within the business unit. Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal.

The director of sales will work with BU internal teams as well as designated customers to maximize success. This position will also process updates on the Central sales portal to make sure all information is accurate and most up to date.

Measures of Success:

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and goals.
• Conduct market analysis and identify growth opportunities.
• Assess competitive landscape and develop strategies to maintain a competitive advantage.

Leadership:

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of any direct reports: only dotted line to sales coordinators only currently.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Sales efforts in assigned customers and sales teams.
• Oversee financial performance and ensure profitability.
• Develop and manage budgets.
• Analyze financial data and make informed decisions.

Operational Management:

• Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Look for process improvements and cost-saving initiatives where possible.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards established by the BU.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key sales team stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors.
• Represent the organization at industry events and conferences.
• Effectively communicate the organization's vision and strategy.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:

• 5 years of experience in sales and ideally min 2 years Pet industry or related field.
• Proven history of success in Sales, sales management, strategic planning, leadership, fiscal management.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proficient in PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strategic planning to maximize sales and profits.
• Strong professional interpersonal relationship skills across the enterprise both internally and externally.
• Is in range of the Neptune Township, NJ office
• Would be willing to move if the position required in the future

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.