Market Development Leader II - Central WA
Utz Brands, Inc., Spokane, WA, United States
Overview
Utz Quality Foods is seeking a Market Development Leader II in Central WA. 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. 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.
Responsibilities
Communicate the Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to the IOs and distributors to ensure proactive and professional relations and to work toward 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 IOs’ and distributors’ results by providing information on promotional activity, following store-level planograms, 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 to encourage IOs and distributors to use all available tools to realize their full sales potential.
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 management teams of customers and store decision makers, offering Company display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions or introductions; reinforce that 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 and address IOs when they are not meeting minimum service standards.
Ensure 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-alongs, 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 GMPs; OSHA standards; FDA standards; and work and safety rules at all times.
75% to 90% travel.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the Company’s objectives.
Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000
Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program. The compensation package also includes an annual bonus, and a company vehicle or travel reimbursement. Employees also receive eleven days of paid time off and six paid company holidays throughout the calendar year.
Qualifications
High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in business preferred. Open to new graduates with a business Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales operations, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industry. DSD experience preferred.
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 and excellent organizational skills.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to embrace technology to make informed business decisions.
Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
Effective problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
Strong business acumen and strategic mindset.
Equal Opportunity 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled.
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Responsibilities
Communicate the Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to the IOs and distributors to ensure proactive and professional relations and to work toward 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 IOs’ and distributors’ results by providing information on promotional activity, following store-level planograms, 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 to encourage IOs and distributors to use all available tools to realize their full sales potential.
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 management teams of customers and store decision makers, offering Company display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions or introductions; reinforce that 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 and address IOs when they are not meeting minimum service standards.
Ensure 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-alongs, 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 GMPs; OSHA standards; FDA standards; and work and safety rules at all times.
75% to 90% travel.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the Company’s objectives.
Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000
Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, and an Employee Stock Purchase Program. The compensation package also includes an annual bonus, and a company vehicle or travel reimbursement. Employees also receive eleven days of paid time off and six paid company holidays throughout the calendar year.
Qualifications
High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in business preferred. Open to new graduates with a business Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales operations, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industry. DSD experience preferred.
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 and excellent organizational skills.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to embrace technology to make informed business decisions.
Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
Effective problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
Strong business acumen and strategic mindset.
Equal Opportunity 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled.
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