Retail Sales Manager (Chicago)

Vita Coco; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 35,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Retail Sales Manager to join their dynamic team in Chicago. This entry-level role offers the opportunity to drive product distribution and display execution across top retail accounts. You will engage with distributor partners, analyze sales data, and develop strategies to enhance brand visibility. If you are passionate about sales and eager to make an impact in the Food & Beverage sector, this role is perfect for you. Join a company committed to sustainability and community upliftment while growing your career in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of sales or distributor experience in Food & Beverage or CPG.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute retail programs and market blitzes.
• Analyze sales reports to identify opportunities and improve performance.

Skills

Sales Experience

Customer Service Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite

VIP Karma

Job description

The Vita Coco Company, created in 2004 by Co-CEO Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, produces the leading brand of coconut water in the United States with a growing presence around the world. The Vita Coco Company’s brands include the leading coconut water, Vita Coco; clean energy drink Runa; premium canned water, Ever & Ever; and protein-infused water, PWR LIFT.

In 2021, The Vita Coco Company became a publicly traded, Public Benefit Corporation. With a growing portfolio of natural products, The Vita Coco Company has identified its public benefit purpose as creating ethical, sustainable products that uplift communities and do right by our planet by harnessing and protecting nature’s resources.

In 2022, The Vita Coco Company was certified as a B Corporation furthering the Company’s commitment toward operating its business as a force for good, while delivering better-for-you products.

Vita Coco is headquartered in New York City with international offices in London and Singapore. The Company is Nasdaq-listed under ticker symbol COCO.

The Vita Coco Company is searching for a Retail Sales Manager based in Chicago, Illinois. This person will lead efforts in stores to achieve product distribution, display execution, and revenue goals in the Market. The Retail Sales Manager will focus on the distribution, display and shelf set opportunities for the Top 100 accounts in the assigned territory and represent the company to distributor partners in all sales-oriented activities.

This is an entry-level remote role in CPG selling, covering the surrounding Chicago area, and will report directly to the Market Manager.

Main Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare innovation launches, new retail programs and market blitzes.
• Sell the entire Vita Coco portfolio at account level, achieve KPIs on cases sold, displays, and new distribution availability, etc.
• Utilize VIP Karma to build account call history, record accomplishments and optimize daily schedule.
• Analyze monthly sales reports to identify opportunities and assess under-performing accounts.
• Forge strong partnership with Distributor Sales team and demonstrate best practices.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key retail accounts and open new accounts to grow brand visibility and distribution.
• Provide consistent communication on retail execution, highlighting accomplishments, and follow-up needed from Independent Distributor Sales Managers, KDP Branch Managers & District Managers
• Build, move and improve display execution and/or product to establish best location for sales on all company products as necessary in assigned stores.
• Measure and audit individual accounts and execution after each visit.
• Support consumer and retail activity by working with the Field Marketing team if/when in market.

Qualifications:

• 0-2 years of professional Sales or Distributor experience, preferably within the Food & Beverage or CPG industry
• Must have the ability to lift cases of product between 10-35 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and own vehicle to travel.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Must have the ability to place product on overhead shelving.
• Must have the ability to travel between multiple accounts each day if needed.
• Proven ability to approach accounts in an innovative and creative way to expand the business.
• Ability to formulate account strategies and execute against them and analyze sales data; trade/business analytics.
• Professional demeanor in working with co-workers, distributors, retail reps, and customers.
• Exceptional customer service, interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Creative presentation, public speaking, and premium selling skills
• A team player who also can work well independently.
• Proficient MS Office Suite skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The Vita Coco Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.