Market Development Manager - Remote; Chicago

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Under the direction of the Regional Sales Manager, the incumbent is responsible for collaborating with a group of independent direct store delivery distributors to advance good2grow sales within the assigned territory. This individual uses their existing experience in the food/beverage/DSD sales sectors to own and drive business performance within the Regional Sales team. This role will also be responsible for developing local chain within the independent and small format channels.

Candidates must reside in or around Chicago to be considered for this role.

Key Skills Required

• Strong analytical mindset, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence – communicate clearly and concisely to gain alignment and drive action across varying audiences
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Time management and project management skills a must!
• Attention to details and dedication to getting things right
• Maintain high level of organization, time management and project management skills, commitment to follow through, enthusiasm, and motivation

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Leads distributors in the assigned region to own and drive annual business performance objectives through the use of Systematic Distributor Management.

• Participates in distributor training, sales meeting presentations, ride a longs, etc.
• Provides clear and concise follow up notes after ride a longs and store visits
• Uses VIP Karma app to track, audit, follow up, and execute store visits
• Attends & presents retail execution updates a key business review monthly & quarterly meetings.
• Communicates with key influencers within the distributor organization on major opportunities at the retail level to include but not limited to:
  Promotional execution, distribution opportunities, GAP reporting, and the overall execution of good2grow gold standard store level objectives

Develops larger chains, local chains, and the independent market.

• Penetrates new accounts using targeted void reports as provided by manager or Distributor
• Increases good2grow store presence through kids’ eye level shelving and multiple points of interruption throughout the store through presentations to in store management
• Grows the number of good2grow SKUs available in the market through closing voids on authorized SKUs or presentations to in store management on new items
• Leads the entire Crew Drive process in the marketplace for Regional Sales Managers
• Calls on smaller regional chain groups

Completes all administrative duties required on office days in a timely manner.

• Communicates recaps, follows up with distributors, and sends weekly communication.
• Creates weekly recaps and sends to immediate manager.
• Leads and often presents on monthly MDM calls.
• Manages summer interns or 3rd party resources when applicable.
• Submits expenses and completes other basic administrative functions related to the position, such as Distributor POS inventory/needs, making updates to scorecard initiatives, weekly planner updates, etc.

Directs and manages employee activity, promoting an environment in which employees can thrive.

• Coaches, mentors and develops staff, including monitoring individual employee performance through use and completion of performance reviews and individual development plans.
• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and unity among department members that allows for the appreciation of diversity, as well as cohesiveness and supportiveness through use of regularly scheduled departmental meetings and leadership by example.
• Identified as a lead trainer for new Market Development Manager hires.
• Serves in a mentor capacity for new Market Development Managers and Area Merchandisers.

Education/Experience

Required:

• Valid Driver's License Required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of sales (Consumer packaged goods industry preferred), merchandising, direct store delivery, or supplier sales experience
• High level of organization and enthusiasm, required
• Efficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to travel 80% of the time, regionally by car

Preferred:

• Experien…