Now Hiring - Manufacturing Zone Sales Manager in Des Moines, IA

Imagine...working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

General Summary

The Zone Sales Manager (ZSM) is responsible for leading a team of Market Development Leaders (MDLs) and Market Sales Leaders (MSLs) to achieve distribution, sales, merchandising and promotional targets through effective engagement with the Independent Distributor Partners (IDP) network and the local warehouse logistics organization. Zone Sales Managers are responsible for +$100MM in revenue. The ZSM must develop and implement the zone business strategy to drive growth across brands and increase dollar share, including marketplace deployment of resources to maximize volume and minimize operating cost. The ZSM provides sales leadership across the Zone, personal development to the respective MDL and MSL
team and alignment with the Customer Team.

Retail Development

Independent Distributor Partner (IDP) Engagement

• Cultivate, develop and implement optional quality joint business engagement.
• Participate in optional quarterly IDP business meetings to collaborate on operational matters with the IDPs.
• Offer syndicated and retailer supplied data to discuss the state of the snacks business, consumer trends, key business drivers, and discover incremental opportunities.
• Develop growth strategy to support route infrastructure growth and align on priorities with local Business Development Managers.
• Improve route viability by reengineering for growth and minimizing turnover of routes to support IDP engagement.
• Recommend potential IDPs for open routes as potential future business partner.
• Design and collaborate with internal sales operations team to create a route infrastructure strategy.
• Collaborate with internal sales operations team to provide clear and concise communication regarding sales and distribution opportunities and other key information utilizing available applications and tools, which will assist them in engaging with IDPs.
• Coach, lead and influence internal team to develop strong relationships and improve engagement with IDPs.
• Clear understanding of IDP contracts and the independent distributor partner business model.

Team Development

Job Complexity / Scope:

• Engage with a diverse set of outside stakeholders, including retailers and IDPs, while navigating complex route to market distribution model, distributor model and market trends
• Able to assess market needs and deploy resources against business issues and demands
• Utilize iPad business applications to provide up to date information regarding business trends
• Train, coach and develop new MDLs and MSLs on processes and best practices
• Identify and implement growth strategies for infrastructure opportunities
• Deliver gross revenue target, share growth and executional excellence metrics.
• Deliver ACV display gains in key accounts and region geography
• Establish strong selling relationships with key retailers and divisional leaders of top retail accounts within zone
• Ensure MDL team is engaging IDPs in collaborative spirit to build relationships and maximize growth potential
• Build, recruit & develop high performing MDL team that promotes positive IDP engagement & culture
• Periodic strategy meetings with MDL team and MSL team to align on goals and opportunities
• Identify & mentor MDLs and MSLs so that they can achieve personal development and career progress. Effectively manage the performance of those MDLs and MSLs struggling to meet role expectations.
• Requires cross functional interaction within the retailer, sales strategy, operations team, supply chain, plant operations, depot management, and IDPs

Job Specifications:

Working Conditions

• Travel as needed, both local and overnight
• Must be able to relocate as required

Travel Required

• Must be able to travel within district, to company meetings, company training and other regions as business needs demand.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is required to drive to stores, warehouses and hubs within the market on a consistent basis.

Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

In that regard, U.S. applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.