Sale Director-Natural Channel

Company Description

At Jack Link’s, we feed the journey. We take pride in rolling up our sleeves and getting things done together. Fueled by creativity, passion, and a commitment to doing things the right way, we tackle the hard stuff first and focus on real progress, bold moves, and no excuses. We create opportunities, celebrate wins, own our misses, and push forward as a team, knowing our strength comes from supporting one another and having fun along the way. We cultivate a workplace where passion meets purpose and our Team Members are inspired, recognized, and rewarded for their contributions. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and build something meaningful, we want you! 

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s is strategically positioned with production, distribution, and support centers in key locations throughout North America, Brazil, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. This global network allows Jack Link's to deliver a wide variety of high-quality, great tasting protein snacks to consumers around the world. The company’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats®, BiFi®, Peperami® , Mariani and Local Legends Meat Snacks.

Job Description

The Sales Director-Natural Channel is responsible for building and maintaining Jack Link’s sales and profitability across the Natural Channel by implementing detailed strategic sales plans for customers (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Market and other retailers).  This position will require working closely with key customers and internal stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve revenue targets while deeply understanding customer needs and market trends to identify new business opportunities. 

The position reports to the Vice President, Sales.  

Primary Role Focus:

• Gain distribution of Jack Link’s Natural Items within the Natural Channel and other key retailers
• Achieve sales objectives within the trade budget
• Build strong customer relationships
• Develop solid Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, Pricing (DSMP) plans that drive category growth
• Clearly understand customer strategy, align and execute annual business plans that meet growth expectations

The responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Develop plans and compelling selling stories for Natural Channel business opportunities focused on expanding Jack Link’s in-store presence
• Responsible for analyzing customer data and developing action plans to achieve sales goals
• Execute 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 and timely communication to internal team members, customers and/or brokers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Trade Marketing, Research & Development) in creating both short and long-term category and channel strategies
• Create and present information in a compelling and persuasive manner
• Effectively build relationships throughout customer organizations and at various levels internally at Jack Link’s, including but not limited to executive leadership, operations, supply planning, and marketing
• Manage deduction and accounts receivable issues
• Responsible for building, training, and leading broker network where applicable
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Required Experience:

• 7 years CPG direct sales experience with understanding market dynamics and competitive landscape
• 5 years food product sales within the Natural Channel with a proven track record of successful sales performance in a complex customer environment
• Previous headquarter sales management experience with Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market
• A high sense of accountability, positivity and urgency in providing excellent customer service and support
• Excellent ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding their needs and priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively present proposals and communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong business, financial and professional acumen with an ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data, identify trends, and make informed decisions
• Strong knowledge of MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and planning software (e.g. Salesforce, SPT, SAP)
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data/analysis to drive end-user opportunities
• Professional, consultative, challenger selling skills with an innate ability to identify, qualify and close opportunities

 Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 40% - 50% travel depending on business needs

Additional Information

The salary range for this role is $135,300 - $186,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.