Cherry Central Cooperative is hiring a National Brands Sales Manager to work remotely (ideally in the Midwest U.S.) to build and manage sales in all classes of trade in the CPG industry. In this role you will manage broker network, customer accounts, maintain current relationships, while you source, secure, and develop new customer accounts and support a pipeline of prospective high-potential customers.
Cherry Central is a vertically integrated, grower-owned cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. We operate as a sales and marketing organization supporting a network of grower-processors across North America, serving customers throughout the United States and around the world. Guided by our purpose to bring healthy products to market directly from our growers, we focus on building long-term relationships and delivering exceptional service to our broad customer base.
We offer competitive compensation based on experience along with a best-in-class benefit package which includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, Aflac, 401K with match, 9 paid holidays, vacation and sick/personal days.
As our National Brand Sales Manager, you will:
- Work with National Sales Manager to build and manage sales in all classes of trade in the CPG industry.
- Manage broker network to ensure sales goals are met, provide brokers with needed information and offer product training on our brands.
- Manage current customer accounts and maintain customer and broker relationships, provide product knowledge and pricing, promote new products and gain distribution on all new items.
- Source, secure, and develop new customer accounts and support a pipeline of prospective high-potential customers.
- Manage MDF accruals and slotting budgets and using accruals to maximize ROI.
- Work with the National Sales Manager to coordinate and implement effective sales strategies for all accounts to maximize sales.
- Manage effort to obtain a leadership position in all of Cherry Central’s categories for all customers.
- Coordinate new customer setup process, including ensuring all necessary forms are completed by the customer and any added product information is provided to customers as requested in their Portals.
- Evaluate market trends for impact on current/future growth of grocery sales profitability using Nielsen.
- Create and implement product promotions and advertisements within budget.
- Attend trade shows and industry related meetings.
- Other tasks as requested.
Minimum Requirements:
- High School Diploma and / or Seminars in related field. College degree preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience in sales management required, broker management is a must, experience in food distribution required and Must Have Extensive Experience with the customers in the Midwest.
- Meijer, Jewel, Walmart, Kroger, Spartan Nash, UNFI, AWG, and all Independents.
- Ability to travel to trade shows and other meetings with brokers and customers.
- Extensive computer experience-Microsoft Office, database management, Nielsen and IRI.
- Project management and organizational skills as well as managing sales budgets.
- Must be able to multitask and manage multiple projects at the same time, often in high stress situations. Elevated level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Must be a team player with the ability to problem-solve and work independently Interpersonal and personnel management skills.
- Valid driver’s license.
