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, vision plans

401(k) with employer match

Profit sharing, bonus plan

Employee stock purchase program

Company car, fuel card, and cell phone

Job summary

Utz Brands, Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking a Market Development Leader II to drive sales strategy with Independent Operators and Master Distributors. You will analyze performance, share best practices, and support the expansion of our U.S. snack brands.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a track record of boosting market share through effective merchandising, store visits, and collaborative problem solving with IOs, distributors, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; bachelor's in business preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in sales operations, preferably snacks/grocery.
• Knowledge of Independent Distribution models and IO/Distributor agreements.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with IOs and distributors.

Responsibilities

• Communicate sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors.
• Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
• Visit DC loading docks with IOs to hear their concerns.
• Assist planning workshops to maximize sales potential with the MDL team.
• Build relationships with store managers and decision makers.

Skills

Independent Distribution

Multi-tasking

Relationship-building

Ethical selling

Proactive communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

MS Office

Leadership

Communication

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. That’s why we’re committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and high‑performance culture where associates can grow, lead, and thrive. We invest in our teams with competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and wellness programs that support both professional and personal success.

Join our world‑class sales organization and help shape the future as we build the fastest‑growing pure‑play U.S. snacking company of scale.

The Opportunity: Market Development Leader II-Chicago, IL

Under the direction of the Sales Operations Director (SOD), the Market Development Leader II (MDL II) partners with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors (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. At all times, the MDL II recognizes that IOs and Master Distributors are not subject to the company’s direction and control as they are Company partners to increase the sale of products.

What You’ll Do

• Communicate the Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to the IOs and distributors to ensure that proactive and professional relations with them are maintained and all are working toward the common interest of gaining market share.
• Ensure that 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 SOD.
• Spend time on the DC loading docks with the IOs to hear their concerns.
• Facilitate ways to improve results of IOs and distributors by providing information on suggestions to grow market share: executing promotional ad activity, following store level planogram, delivering successful new product introductions, securing additional space, obtaining new points of interruption and building relationships at store level.
• Assist the MDL I and SOD in planning regularly scheduled workshop meetings in collaboration with the Sales Operations Director and the rest of the MDL team to encourage IOs and distributors to use all tools and mediums available to realize the full sales potential of their business.
• Work to reinforce with retail store managers and store decision makers that Utz supports IOs and distributors and values their relationships with the Company.
• Conduct store visits in the assigned region to maintain open and proactive business relationships with the management teams of our customers and store decision makers, offering Company display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions or introductions; and reinforcing that that the IOs and distributors, not the Company, invoice products to their stores.
• Use the Store Summary form to identify successes and opportunities to grow DSD sales as well as underperformance by the IOs. Working with the SOD, address IOs when they are not meeting the minimum service standards according to the contractual obligation that IOs owe Utz.
• Ensure that required resets are successful.
• Run an open route occasionally when the Company has bought a route back from an IO or distributor. Operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck, safely.
• Provide route ride‑a‑lons, only at the request of the Independent Distributor, offering route optimization and skill sharing opportunities.
• Act as a key liaison between Independent Operators and Company Settlement Department to assist in resolving IO issues regarding Settlement Statements.
• Work proactively in a cross‑functional team with diverse groups of people.
• Work with management and associates to ensure Food Safety programs are followed.
• Report food, office or operational safety problems to a supervisor or manager to initiate action.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures, such as Good Manufacturing Practices, GMPs; OSHA standards; FDA standards; and work and safety rules at all times.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned that will impact and support the overall outcome of 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 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 the obligations and rights of both the Company and the Independent Distributor.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to meet the day’s objectives.
• Capability to build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.
• Ethical selling and negotiation skills that can be shared with IOs and Distributors 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.
• Attention to detail. Must have excellent organization skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Ability to embrace technology to make informed business decisions.
• Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to effectively convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Effective problem-identification and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective business acumen and a strategic mindset.

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid driver’s license. Possess or have the ability to obtain a DOT medical card.

Salary: $65-$80K + bonus

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

External Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz? We’re More Than Just Chips—we’re a Family. With Over 100 Years Of Heritage And a Bold Vision For The Future, We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with employer match
• Profit sharing, bonus plan, employee stock purchase plan
• Company car, fuel card, and cell phone reimbursement monthly
• Career growth, inclusive culture, and a team that celebrates wins—big and small

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure‑play U.S. snacking company of scale!

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.