The Associate Director of Sales is responsible for executing the Consumer Products strategic and operational plan for the Business Unit in the field. This role requires maintaining strong relationships and seamless collaboration with key stakeholders, including the VP of Sales, SVP of Sargento Sales, and cross-functional teams such as Marketing, Finance, Trade, Omni-Channel, Category Management, Demand Planning, New Products, and Operations.

The Associate Director will lead a team of sales professionals, providing guidance, training, coaching, and succession planning across all areas of responsibility. This position also oversees customer relationships with Ahold Delhaize and other Northeast regional grocery retailers.

What You Do:

Execution of the operating plan and three-year strategic plan for Sales (Direct and Brokers), that links to corporate and division objectives and strategies.
Partners with the VP-Sales to develop channel penetration strategies and ensure execution of plans.
Develops strategic customer relationships through Joint Business Planning along with elevating connectivity with Sr. Leaders through the development of Top-to-Top meetings.
Participates and represents Sargento at key multi-vendor industry events such as CFIC, NFRA and FRANE to name a few.
Must be knowledgeable of relevant market and industry trends, competitors, and top customer and channel strategies.
Establishes both geographic market and key customer strategies with the support of broader team and in collaboration with counterparts.
Understands and leverages Price / Commodity Management to execute strategic initiatives to meet the objectives of the organization’s overall business plans.
Responsible for the establishment, and ultimate achievement, of annual, quarterly, and monthly customer sales plans and profitability in coordination with the Consumer Products operating plan.
Coordinates specific objectives of the sales plan with all other cross functional departments such as Marketing, Finance, Trade, Omni-Channel, Category Management, New Products, Demand Planning, and Finance.
Provides seamless linkage of the division’s Key Initiatives and Action Plans to all other functional departments (Marketing, Finance, Trade, Omni-Channel, Category Management, New Products, Demand Planning and Operations).
Executes recommended optimal sales team and sales agency structures to meet the changing skill set requirements and business demands of the Business Unit.
Supports assigning and managing sales agency representation, including the establishment, and tracking of annual objectives and performance standards.
In coordination with the VP Sales, establishes compensation plans for sales agency, along with incentive and recognition programs and personal objective bonus plans.
Supports the successful management of the needs of the Business Unit’s customers in order to meet the goals of the company’s business plans and strategies.
Fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment that includes constructive debate.
Must be available for overnight travel ~30-40 %, across customer area of responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages 2 direct reports and any future subordinates.
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of any future direct teams.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Your Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required or Master’s Degree or MBA preferred.
10+ years related consumer product sales experience preferred.
National headquarter sales and broker management experience required.
Previous supervisory experience required.
Expert-level presentation, written and verbal communication skills are required.
Must be proficient in the following: Microsoft Office Suite; MS Teams, Outlook; Cell Phones.
Must have advanced skills with the following: Syndicated data analysis, terminology and reports.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, volume, projections, margins and general understanding of Profit and Loss Statements.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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Associate Director - Sales