District Sales Manager

The District Sales Manager is a critical managerial and administrative position that impacts Schmidt’s sales, distribution and customer service. The District Sales Managers are responsible for managing territories comprised of stores and other product outlets and institutions. The management of those territories, which can vary by branch, generally involves: maximizing sales, interfacing with stores and other outlets, overseeing quality control, and ensuring Independent Operators’ compliance with their distribution agreements.   District Sales Managers are the face of Schmidt to the stores, institutional customers and Independent Operators. District Sales Managers are expected to use independent judgment and discretion to quickly and effectively solve customer, logistical and other managerial issues. 

Responsibilities include (without limitation):

• Manage a territory of sales routes that service various Schmidt accounts
• Plan and strategize how to effectively manage own schedule and address various competing concerns
• Develop relationships and build rapport with stores and outlets within the assigned territory
• Regularly visit market, and confer with accounts within the assigned sales territory - use all in-store occasions to improve satisfaction, quality control, and sales, display and other opportunities
• Review and analyze various data and assess trends that impact sales
• Use discretion and independent judgment to create plans to reduce returns
• Use discretion and independent judgment to solve reported customer/outlet problems
• Conduct spot/return audits and competitor surveys and review and reduce “shrinkage” in scanner-based sales
• Ensure customer order accuracy and anticipate product supply needs
• Perform store resets and take advantage of opportunities presented
• Communicate and sell Schmidt promotions to Independent Operators and Schmidt accounts
• Ensure Independent Operators’ compliance with the Distribution agreements
• Assist Independent Operators in resolving problems, develop rapport, and help orient
• Assist Independent Operators with growing their business
• When appropriate, recommends use of contractual remedies for breaches by Independent Operators
• Identify and facilitate opportunities to obtain new accounts and outlets
• Ensure coverage for open routes and supply during weather emergencies
• Address safety concerns in the depot
• Direct Schmidt warehouse and clerical staff, as needed
• Substitute for drivers in emergency situation where company must assume the route due to incapacity and lack of route reliever or substitute
• Perform Branch management functions delegated by Branch Manager and other branch-specific duties

Qualifications 

• Education: Some college preferred
• Minimum work experience required: 3 years of sales experience
• Demonstrated experience in customer service is preferred
• Management experience preferred
• Knowledge of the bread industry is preferred but not required
• Considerable working knowledge of sales, distribution, and customer relations
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and build rapport
• Strong organization skills including attention to detail, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to customers, Independent Operators and Schmidt upper level management
• Ability to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare and utilize reports
• Ability to verify data input and correct errors
• Ability to use independent judgment
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to use computer, handheld and sales equipment, copy machine, , calculator, order spreadsheets and distribution and inventory management software
• Must be able to be medically certified by the Department of Transportation to drive a truck
• Ability to work long hours during peak periods