Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
5 days ago
Customer Development Manager - Natural Channel

Company Description

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get… authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side® with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Link Snacks, Inc., family of brands includes Jack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

Job Description

The Customer Development Manager is responsible for growing & developing Jack Link’s sales & profitability across the natural channel by implementing detailed strategic sales plans for these customers (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and similar retailers).  This position will require working closely with key customers and internal stakeholders including trade planning, marketing, demand planning, customer service, and category management.  The ideal candidate will live in the Central U.S. or East Coast but can manage remotely with travel.

PRIMARY ROLE FOCUS:

Gain Distribution of LSI Natural Items within the Natural ChannelAchieving sales objectives as assigned by the Channel Director within the trade budgetBuild strong customer relationshipsDevelop solid DSMP (Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, Pricing) plans that drive category growthClearly understand customer strategy and align on annual business plans that meet growth expectations

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop plans for natural channel business opportunities focused on expanding Jack Link’s in-store presenceResponsible for analyzing customer data and developing an action plan to achieve sales goalsExecute annual business plans to maximize top-line and bottom-line growth and achieve volume, market share, and profit/contribution objectives within the assigned trade budget.Provide transparent & timely communication to internal team members and our customers/brokersCollaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Trade Marketing, Research & Development) in creating both short & long-term category and channel strategiesCreate and present information in a compelling and persuasive mannerEffectively builds relationships throughout customer organizations and at various levels internally at Jack Link’s: Executive Management, Operations, Supply Planning, and MarketingManage deduction & AR issues on all applicable accountsResponsible for building, training, and leading broker network where applicable

QualificationsBachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience5+ years CPG direct sales experience with at least 3 years within the Natural ChannelPrevious HQ Sales management experience with Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market.Proven track record of positive sales performance within the Natural ChannelStrong knowledge of MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Working knowledge of CRM and planning software (e.g. Salesforce, SPT, SAP)Strong communication & presentation skillsBusiness and Financial AcumenLeveraging data/analysis to drive end-user opportunities

 

DESIRED BEHAVIORS:

Full ownership over all aspects of the customer relationshipProfessional, Consultative, Challenger selling skillsCustomer FocusedResilient in the face of adversityEmbraces change and technologyPassionate to succeedDriven to winStrive to be a LeaderHigh sense of urgency

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximately 40% - 50% travel depending on business needs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to lift 25 to 50 pounds for customer samples and displaysAbility to operate a motor vehicle for travel to customers/brokers and Jack Link’s locations

Additional Information

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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