The Colonial Group specializes in the placement of outstanding talent in Lean Manufacturing environments. Our clients understand that our decades of industry experience give us unique insight and access to top talent at all levels. The Colonial Group is a nationally recognized, award-winning firm dedicated to helping both clients and candidates join together to form a mutually beneficial relationship.

71356 Sales Manager, NE

Our client is a leading manufacturer of packaging products recruiting a Sales Manager with experience in the Food Service industry that possesses strong business acumen and the ability to use a solutions-based sales approach. The Sales Manager will be responsible for achieving revenue goals by managing sales through distributors in the assigned geographic region. The sales approach will be based on understanding the customer’s business needs and identifying product solutions that provide superior value to the customer.

Responsibilities:

• Manage distribution partners in the geographic region developing positive working relationships
• Oversee and manage local marketing programs, trade spend, and support brand enhancement and development
• Develop and implement an annual sales plan in conjunction with each distribution partner to expand sales opportunities for products and achieve profitable revenue growth
• Conduct sales meetings and DSR training
• Ensure new products are effectively introduced to distribution partners to achieve the desired revenue goals within the geographic region
• Organize and support marketing events and activities as needed to support the attainment of business goals in the geographic region
• Work with distribution partners to resolve open issues and concerns
• Develop distributor pipeline reports in the geographic region to support sales activities to the end user customers
• Provide accurate forecasts related to case/volume and revenue
• Maintain and update appropriate databases and sales support systems relative to account activity, pricing, etc.
• Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, merchandising techniques, etc.
• Provide written and verbal updates on sales activity and competitive activity in the territory to management
• Responsible for other projects and initiatives as needed

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field i.e., business, marketing, culinary school, food service management, or packaging a plus
• A minimum of 5 years of Sales experience, primarily in the Foodservice packaging industry selling through Distribution
• Excellent communication skills, especially listening, probing/questioning, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability in using consultative selling skills; persuasive skills
• Analytical skills; able to evaluate a situation and outline a course of action; proven ability to understand the financial impact of options and decisions
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Sense of urgency; proven ability to “close” a sale
• Demonstrated negotiation skills
• Computer Literate-Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• High level of personal initiative, energy, and ownership for success; a self-starter
• Valid Driver’s License