Specialist Breeder Enthusiast

Nestlé S.A.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Purina is seeking a Specialist Breeder Enthusiast in the St. Louis area to build partnerships with breeders, handlers, and breed clubs, driving product trial and advocacy through major events, seminars, and community engagement.

The role combines marketing strategy with hands-on field leadership, collaborating with sponsors, ambassadors, and industry organizations to grow Pro Plan presence across campaigns and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution OR High School Diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in dog-related activities, ideally as an accomplished breeder, trainer, handler, competitor, or club official at the national level.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute marketing strategies that build awareness, product usage, recommendations, and loyalty among breeders, handlers, competitors, breed clubs, and sporting dog organizations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with influential customers, club leaders, event organizers, and industry organizations through meetings, events, presentations, and ongoing engagement.
• Negotiate and manage Pro Plan brand participation and sponsorship of targeted events, competitions, organizations, and breed clubs, evaluating investments based on return on investment.
• Provide product, nutritional, and segment expertise during events, meetings, seminars, and presentations to encourage product trial, conversion, advocacy, and retention.
• Recruit, lead, coach, and manage field consultants, Pro Plan Ambassadors, sponsored influencers, and seminar staff.
• Develop and execute event promotions, grassroots advertising, social media activities, educational programs, and other audience engagement initiatives.
• Manage program and administrative budgets, national contracts, award programs, and related spending to ensure resources are used effectively.
• Generate and follow up on customer leads, maintain relationships with existing influential customers, and gather and report competitive field intelligence.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and business partners by providing input on advertising, breeder-focused content, featured customers, and other special projects.

Education

Bachelor’s degree OR High School Diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness—We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.

Position Summary

Our Marketing Department consists of a team driven by integrity, purpose, and a shared passion for enriching the lives of pets and their owners. As strategic brand-builders, we channel our consumer-centric mindset to create compelling narratives and develop insight-driven products and experiences that resonate deeply with our target audience. Our marketing efforts extend beyond our organization, leaving a positive influence on our local communities and creating a shopping experience like no other. With a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to driving results, we foster a creative and collaborative environment that inspires authentic teamwork, innovation, and calculated risk-taking. At Nestlé Purina, we embrace new ideas, cultivate connection, and foster camaraderie among our marketing professionals. Join our esteemed marketing team and become part of a transformative journey where together we’ll make a lasting impact, within our organization through our care for the community and environment and the lives of pet owners worldwide.

Turn a passion for the competitive dog world into an opportunity to shape one of the most trusted names in pet care. As a Specialist Breeder Enthusiast, you’ll build meaningful partnerships with influential breeders, handlers, competitors, breed clubs, and sporting organizations, creating experiences that inspire product trial, advocacy, and long‑term loyalty to Purina Pro Plan. Combining deep industry credibility with marketing strategy and people leadership, you’ll bring the Pro Plan brand to life at major events, competitions, seminars, and within the communities that influence how dogs are fed.

• Develop and execute marketing strategies that build awareness, product usage, recommendations, and loyalty among breeders, handlers, competitors, breed clubs, and sporting dog organizations
• Establish and maintain relationships with influential customers, club leaders, event organizers, and industry organizations through meetings, events, presentations, and ongoing engagement
• Negotiate and manage Pro Plan brand participation and sponsorship of targeted events, competitions, organizations, and breed clubs, evaluating investments based on return on investment
• Provide product, nutritional, and segment expertise during events, meetings, seminars, and presentations to encourage product trial, conversion, advocacy, and retention
• Recruit, lead, coach, and manage field consultants, Pro Plan Ambassadors, sponsored influencers, and seminar staff
• Develop and execute event promotions, grassroots advertising, social media activities, educational programs, and other audience engagement initiatives
• Manage program and administrative budgets, national contracts, award programs, and related spending to ensure resources are used effectively
• Generate and follow up on customer leads, maintain relationships with existing influential customers, and gather and report competitive field intelligence
• Collaborate with internal marketing and business partners by providing input on advertising, breeder-focused content, featured customers, and other special projects

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution OR High School Diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience
• 3+ years of experience in dog-related activities, ideally as an accomplished breeder, trainer, handler, competitor, or club official at the national level

Other

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (approximately 50-60%) to support bird dog field events, sporting competitions, breed club meetings, seminars, and other industry events
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including frequent weekends, based on events and competition schedules

Don’t meet all the qualifications listed under "other"? These are preferred, but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets.

Salary: $60,311.70 to$93,933.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.