Senior Regional Sales Manager (Midwest)

Lactalis USA; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Sr. Regional Sales Manager to lead sales initiatives in the deli and specialty foods sector. This exciting role involves cultivating relationships with key decision-makers, executing strategic sales plans, and driving profitability across a defined territory. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, this company values unique backgrounds and experiences, encouraging candidates to share their stories and passions. If you are a motivated professional with a strong track record in sales and a passion for the food industry, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the food sector, preferably in deli or specialty foods.
• Strong administrative skills and ability to develop working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop sales strategies for deli products and specialty foods.
• Negotiate customer agreements and ensure proper product positioning.
• Review market activity weekly to identify new business opportunities.

Skills

Sales Leadership

Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Market Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

IRI / Circana

Sales Management Software

Job description

Description

Lactalis USA is currently seeking candidates to join our Deli, Specialty Foods sales team.

Lactalis, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to nurturing the future by providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day. We produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day. We offer an enviable range of dairy brands including Galbani, President, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Parmalat, Siggi's, and Stonyfield Organic in addition to several brands imported from our affiliates in Europe.

At Lactalis, our core values of AMBITION, ENGAGEMENT, and SIMPLICITY are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a safe, diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and we know that our candidates come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we still encourage you to apply and share with us your STORY, your PASSION, and your EXPERTISE! You may be just the perfect candidate for this or other roles within our company.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.

From your PASSION to ours

As a Sr. Regional Sales Manager, the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited providing sales leadership and direction by cultivating relationships with decision makers to push the sales of our core brands and SKUs & by managing and executing all aspects of the company Branded strategy. This will include, but is not limited to, penetrate senior account management, broker management, initiate new item distribution, and maximize profitability of product mix and other activities, which are important to continued development of the assigned account(s).

This position will cover a territory in the Midwestern region of the US. States covered may include: ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, AR, MO, IA, IL, WI, MI, and parts of OH, and TN.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Work with the Director, Sales to develop appropriate sales strategies for deli products and gourmet/specialty foods, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term business plan.
• Draw up, arbitrate, validate, and implement category development plans, ensuring execution with key accounts.
• Develop recommended trade budget focused on deli product placement, effective promotions, and efficient expenditures.
• Negotiate customer agreements in accordance with company sales policy, ensuring deli and specialty food products receive proper positioning and promotional support.
• Review market activity on a weekly basis using IRI / Circana or designated company tools, identifying new profitable business and customer opportunities within the deli and gourmet food sector.
• Work closely with marketing personnel on new deli product introductions and in the development of customer selling stories that highlight specialty food trends and consumer demand.
• Work closely with corporate quality assurance staff on timely and appropriate issues for customers regarding any issue related to product quality
• Participate in trade shows and attend key client/stakeholder meetings to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel is required up to 50% monthly.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, a cell phone is required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position is remote, covering a defined territory.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company's overall performance and success.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years related experience in the food sector is required.
• Preferred given to deli / gourmet / specialty foods experience.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• Knowledge of US retailers and the Deli industry is favored.
• Experience partnering with brokers and/or distributors is required.

Competencies

• Candidate must have strong administrative skills and the ability to develop working relationships with all major functions within the company.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills are necessary.

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