Zone Manager (Tennessee/Kentucky)

For the past 162 years, Swisher has been an industry leader known for its iconic products and commitment to high quality standards. With a rich history, Swisher serves adult consumers through a diverse range of businesses, including Swisher Sweets Cigar Company, Helme Tobacco Co., Hempire, Rogue Holdings, and Drew Estate: The Rebirth of Cigars. We have a passion for people and helping them build rewarding careers. If you’re ready to create excitement and drive what’s next in the industry, we’d love to hear from you.

The role of the Zone Manager is to increase sales volume and distribution across the entire Swisher portfolio. This role’s primary focus is to understand market opportunities to increase sales and develop an expert team of sales professionals that support and deliver on Swisher growth goals and initiatives. This position is also responsible for delivering the annual sales plans, managing trade programs, and objectives, and for leading, developing, and training a team of Region and Territory Managers within the assigned geographic area.

***This zone covers Tennessee, Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Candidates must reside within these locations or be willing to relocate.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead a team of Region Managers, Territory Managers and Special Projects Managers to achieve the company goals and objectives. Monitor employee development and performance and provide feedback when appropriate.    

• In partnership with Region Managers, engage with wholesale and retail partners on sales & category management initiatives and present options that will drive sales and improve business performance across the full line of Swisher brands.  Attend customer meetings and engage with the Trade to work together on driving business.   

• Responsible for driving market strategies which will maximize the account sales and volume. Provide solutions within our framework to meet specific account needs and be a valuable partner to all accounts. 

• Responsible for all Trade Programs within the Zone such as VWA, Regional Distributors, Venture, and Partners in Profit (where applicable). Set up various geo-focused projects to support trade and category initiatives. 

• Responsible for managing promotional allocations for the Zone and monitoring sales results against established plans. Monitor and manage marketing programs, gratis dollars, off-invoice, promotional dollars and expenses. 

• Monitor sales numbers, retail activities and photos in the Shield reporting system. Create and distribute reports to the team on an as needed basis. 

• Provide support to the National Account Team (including Zone Chain Account Managers) on a consistent basis 

• Assist Region Managers with chain BOB to include: presentations, contracts, negotiations, etc. 

• Effectively supervise selling expenses across the Zone to include approving spends of direct reports and managing yearly budgeted operating plan. 

• Coordinate and attend industry outings. May also support Government Relations team on issues management 

Qualifications: 

Required  

• 10 years of CPG sales experience to include increased responsibility
• 5 years’ experience leading a team 
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Excel) 

Education: Bachelor’s degree 

Preferred:

• Knowledge of OTP, state laws for tobacco, taxes, flavor bans and sales restrictions. 

Education: Master’s degree

Travel:  This role requires 60% travel, including overnight travel. Travel requirements are contingent on the designated territory and are subject to change dependent on business needs.  

What we offer:

• Base salary and bonus program
• Company vehicle for business and personal use
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance effective on date of hire
• Generous 401(k) Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan
• Paid vacation and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career!