Territory Sales Manager, Los Angeles CA
: Job Details :

Description

Come join one of the fastest growing frozen and freeze-dried raw brands in the country in 2024! Vital Essentials is seeking an energetic, curious, tenacious problem solver to manage our neighborhood pet business in the Western US territory, based between Southern California and Washington State, and managing distributor partners and retail stores throughout the territory.

Vital Essentials has radically transformed its branding and position in the marketplace. We've always created the best butcher cut raw food for dogs and cats – now it's time to let stores and pet owners know about it.

If you have existing relationships with independent pet stores, distributors, and decision makers in the territory; if you are not only a strong individual salesperson but also a successful manager of distribution partners; if you have been successful in overcoming objections and gaining shelf placement; if you have taken a store from $0 in sales to brand champion – Vital Essentials is the home for you.

Join us in the early stages of building the fastest growing, healthiest, and most nutritious food available in the independent channel!

Total Compensation Salary Range: $90,000-$115,000, includes incentive potential for achieving territory-specific growth targets.

The Ideal Candidate

• You have a proven track record of managing and executing new territorial sales growth strategies, total portfolio penetration, and demand generation at the retail level.
• You are a creative and strategic thinker with an ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities for growth.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data, understand trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• You drive yourself harder than anyone else ever would or could.
• You prioritize better than all others and ALWAYS exceed role requirements.
• You are a pet owner and pet lover, and you openly exhibit your passion for pets.

Overview

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITY: The Territory Sales Manager is responsible for the performance of independent pet stores and distributors in an assigned region. Working with distributor sales representatives, this associate will drive new store acquisition, total portfolio penetration, and demand generation at retail. This position reports to the Director of Distribution and Field Sales.

Responsibilities

• Establish and grow independent retail partner accounts in assigned region inclusive of regional multi-unit accounts.
• Identify, nurture, and open relationships with new independent retail stores.
• Conduct effective and value-add store visits in 25+ stores per week.
• Identify SKU gap opportunities and develop plans to close gaps at existing Vital Essentials retail partners.
• Ensure all Vital Essentials categories are represented in retail partner stores.
• Identify and relaunch former Vital Essentials retail partners lost over time.
• Achieve sales quotas and targets and report on deviations.
• Train retail store teams on the benefits of Vital Essentials products.
• Manage trade spend to ensure profitable growth.
• Ensure participation in national programs (Astro Loyalty, Astro Offers, LMS, etc).
• Work with stores to secure effective merchandising and incremental placement.

Partner with distributor representatives in assigned region.

• Develop working relationships with distributor territory managers to become the number one recommended brand in the region.
• Ride along with distributor representatives to target accounts and develop mutual plans to secure orders and placement.
• Attend distributor events and open houses in assigned region.
• In conjunction with the Vital Essentials Director of Distribution and Field Sales, ensure accurate forecasting and inventory levels to prevent out of stocks in distributor warehouses.

Support strategic national accounts in assigned region.

• Train and educate strategic account associates.
• Support national strategies developed by the Vital Essentials Strategic Account Manager.
• Support events including demos, sampling, and off-site activities (Bark in the Park, etc).

Requirements

OTHER: Please send a letter of introduction telling us why you should be our top candidate. Interested candidates who include “I LOVE PETS!” in the letter and/or subject line will go to the front of the line. Background check, pre-employment drug screen, a valid drivers license, vehicle insurance and industry non-compete are required. This role is a remote position based in the Western US; ideal candidates will be located within California or Washington state, with access to a major airport.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited university or equivalent business experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in the independent pet specialty channel working with distributors to expand rooftops and item penetration, preferably with a high growth pet food brand or distributor.
• Experience securing placement from competitors by developing comprehensive solutions tailored to an individual retailer's market dynamics.
• An ability to travel at least 50% of the time, along with a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.
• Must have sufficient computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft and Gsuite applications. Experience with Salesforce is desired.

Benefits: 4% 401K match, medical, dental, vision, voluntary life, short-term and long-term disability, and pet insurance, 100% company-paid life insurance, 9 paid holidays including 1 floating holiday to use as you choose, PTO, employee discounts on pet food and treats, tuition and wellness program, EAP.

Carnivore Meat Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Revised: 7/3/2024