District Sales Manager Trainee

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.

CDI’s Consumer Products Group is the driving force behind the marketing and sales function for CDI’s butter, supported by a strong food service business, and two heritage retail brands: Challenge and Danish Creamery. Proudly Californian, our butter is cultivated by the sun, and we believe that together we can spread that sunshine through every bite, every meal, and every shared moment.

We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy!

We offer a generous total rewards package that includes:

• Hourly Rate - $33.00
• Following a successful training period, this position is expected to become a DSM with a salary commission compensation structure.
• Family medical/dental/vision
• Generous company contributions to 401k
• Relocation Assistance
• 11 Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Summary

The District Sales Manager Trainee maintains effective key customer relationships and is responsible for profitable sales accounts. This role is responsible for the sale of the line of Challenge Branded Products along with various products from the Foodservice team to all Foodservice accounts within the assigned geographic area. This role also serves as back-up for Route Drivers and will require a Class B Commercial Driver’s License. The position requires proficiency following the company values of We are Stronger Together, We Take the Lead, We Work Hard Today for a Better Tomorrow, and We Reject the Status Quo.

Essential Functions

• Connects regularly with customers through various communication methods (email, phone, correspondence) regarding accounts.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills with sales strategies designed to meet Company, Group, Branch, and individual sales targets.
• Existing Account Penetration: responsible for expanding product line within each account in partnership with the drivers assigned to the area/account.
• Back-up for Route Driver: when needed, will act in the capacity of both Sales and Route Driver in the execution of the delivery of product to customers. Driving of a commercial vehicle is required.
• New Customer Accounts: responsible for the acquisition and onboarding of new customer accounts within assigned territory. Consistently applies market intelligence with sales strategy in the development of new accounts.
• Sales Tactics: cold calling on self-generated prospects, following up on given leads, and responding to general inquiries for information from the Branch.
• Market Penetration: responsible for securing distribution of all new products as they are developed and/or added to the distribution system.
• Market Data: responsible for awareness and monitoring of competitive activity (pricing, new products, accounts, and promotions). Prepares appropriate reports for Branch Manager and Regional Managers.
• Assist in the distribution of products to accounts through either car or truck on an as-needed basis.
• Credit & Collection: responsible for assuring assigned accounts are current on their accounts receivable of at least a score of 85% with an end-goal of accounts being current at the end of each period.
• Innovation/New Business: provide market data for new opportunities for the organization in terms of new products, avenues of distribution, application of product, and/or new customers.
• Responsible for creating, maintaining, and distributing associated reports for the organization with an attention to detail and accuracy in information provided.
• Regularly maintains the appearance and maintenance of assigned vehicle, assuring it is in proper running order and visible condition per company guidelines.
• Maintain professional relationships with coworkers, customers, and parent company.
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs as it relates to the role. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to adapt to changing conditions and demands. Ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Self-motivated and able to execute independently.
• Detail oriented.
• Travel required for execution of position and in-person meetings as needed.
• Possession or ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
• Team player with excellent collaboration skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity and dependability with strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.
• Excellent verbal, written, and social communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to multiple computer systems and analytical tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in a relevant role in direct to consumer and/or consumer-packaged goods business with national and international distribution desired.
• Account management and Sales experience required.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field desired.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license along with a clean MVR.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: N/A

Driving Requirements

• Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Class B or Class A Driver’s License.

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties as appropriate for the role. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This role is a classified as an outside sales role and requires the ability to regularly travel to customers.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.

Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 55 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.

Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.

Twisting/Turning: Assumes any combination of twisting and/or turning on an occasional basis.

Climbing/Balancing: May go up and down stairs and/or ladders on an occasional basis.

Reaching: Reaches at or above shoulder level on an occasional basis.

Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Traveling: Extended working hours and some domestic traveling.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.