CPG Division Sales Manager - Retail (Grand Rapids, MI area or NC/SC)

Position Summary Ideal candidates currently reside the Grand Rapid MI area or in North/South Carolina.

Deliver annual profit plan as determined by Ajinomoto Foods management by assisting Director of Sales develop and execute strategic plan within assigned territory.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Achieve profitability and volume objectives in assigned markets and customers.
• Will include direct customer management as well as Broker management.
• Position requires experience managing branded product portfolio with potential to pursue high volume Private Brand opportunities.
• Work with broker and marketing to develop presentations to sell company products and programs to assigned customers.
• Establish personal relationships with brokers and key customers.
• Plan market business strategies with individual brokers and establish annual volume and promotional spending plans for each broker market and direct customer.
• Manage promotional process and deduction resolution through the Account Review system.
• Manage the forecasting process for assigned customers using the systems provided by the company.
• Direct, motivate, train, implement corrective action plans and hire brokers in assigned markets and customers.
• Train brokers in the features and benefits of products and services.
• Introduce new products and programs for market execution.
• Train broker in appropriate administrative procedures.
• Manage sales budgets for assigned markets including promotional spending, samples, meetings, travel and entertainment.
• Analyze IRI and Shopper data to identify opportunities and develop actionable customer strategies.

Position Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in sales, broker management, direct customer responsibilities and/or related consumer food products experience in the Grocery Channel.
• Preferred experience managing Meijer and/or Southeast based accounts or equivalent sized retailers.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable customer strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be organized and work within a broad range of functional areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, brokers and field sales.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proficient skills in budgeting, forecasting, promotional analysis, written and oral communications, presentation skills and personal computing (Microsoft Office: Excel, Word and Power Point).
• Position requires stamina and ability to handle multiple tasks, make decisions and at times work with ambiguous situations.
• Must be able to work under time constraints.
• Must be a self-starter and have the ability and focus to work from a remote office location.

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