Market Development Leader II - Chicago, IL

Utz Brands, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Life insurance

401(k) plan with profit sharing

Employee Stock Purchase Program

11 days of paid time off

6 paid company holidays

Job summary

Utz Brands, Inc. is seeking a Market Development Leader II to drive sales profitability and market penetration through strong IO and master distributor partnerships. You will communicate initiatives, help set merchandising standards, and ensure alignment with company goals.

The role requires at least 5 years in sales operations, exposure to direct store delivery, and proven leadership. You’ll prepare weekly reports, attend workshops, and support IOs with promotional activity, planograms, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in sales operations, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industries.

Responsibilities

• Communicate sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors.
• Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
• Provide a weekly Sales/IO Work-with planner to the SOD.
• Conduct store visits to maintain proactive relationships and promote promotions and planograms.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, OSHA, FDA standards, and safety rules.

Skills

IndependentOperator/Distributor

Multi-tasking

Persuasion

Ethical selling

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork in fast-paced environment

Detail orientation

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Leadership and presentation skills

Problem-solving

Strategic thinking

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in business

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At Utz, we’re driven by a passion to excite and delight consumers with bold, flavorful snack foods made from high‑quality ingredients. With more than a century of family heritage, our growing portfolio of iconic brands includes Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our people power our success, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive culture where associates can grow, lead, and thrive. We invest in competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and wellness programs that support both professional and personal success.

The Opportunity

Under the direction of the Sales Operations Director (SOD), the Market Development Leader II (MDL II) partners with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors to achieve maximum sales profitability and market penetration using selling strategies and proactive communications. The MDL II informs IOs and distributors of the Company’s initiatives for sales, service, merchandising standards, and product distribution while recognizing that IOs and Master Distributors are the Company’s partners in increasing product sales.

What You’ll Do

• Communicate the Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors to ensure proactive and professional relations and market share growth.
• Ensure the obligations and rights of both the Company, IOs, and distributors are preserved.
• Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
• Provide a weekly Sales/IO Work‑with planner to the SOD.
• Spend time at DC loading docks with IOs to hear their concerns.
• Facilitate ways to improve results of IOs and distributors by providing information on promotional activity, planogram compliance, new product introductions, additional space, new points of interruption, and store‑level relationship building.
• Assist the MDL I and SOD in planning regularly scheduled workshop meetings with the Sales Operations Director and the MDL team to encourage IOs and distributors to use all available tools and mediums.
• Reinforce with retail store managers that Utz supports IOs and distributors and values their relationships with the Company.
• Conduct store visits to maintain proactive business relationships, offer display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions, while emphasizing that IOs and distributors invoice products to stores.
• Use the Store Summary form to identify successes and opportunities to grow DSD sales and address underperformance by IOs.
• Ensure that required resets are successful.
• Run an open route occasionally when the Company buys a route back from an IO or distributor; operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck, safely.
• Provide route ride‑along services upon request, offering optimization and skill‑sharing opportunities.
• Act as a key liaison between Independent Operators and the Company Settlement Department to resolve IO issues regarding Settlement Statements.
• Work proactively in a cross‑functional team with diverse groups.
• Ensure Food Safety programs are followed and report any safety problems to a supervisor or manager.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA standards, FDA standards, and safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the Company’s objectives.

Education

High School Diploma is required. Bachelor’s degree in business is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales operations, preferably in a snacks, grocery, or beverage industry. DSD experience is preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of Independent Distribution models, including familiarity with Independent Operator/Distributor Agreements and obligations and rights of both parties.
• Ability to multi‑task and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible.
• Capability to build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.
• Ethical selling and negotiation skills.
• Proactive communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Attention to detail and excellent organization skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Comfortable using technology for informed business decisions.
• Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills.
• Effective problem‑identification and problem‑solving skills.
• Business acumen and a strategic mindset.

Certificates & Licenses

Valid driver’s license. Ability to obtain a DOT medical card.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 + bonus.

Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; a 401(k) plan with profit sharing; an Employee Stock Purchase Program; eleven days of paid time off; and six paid company holidays throughout the calendar year.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.