Field Merchandising Specialist/Local Territory Sales Representative

Description

JOB PURPOSE

Job Summary:

Field Merchandising Specialist will assist the Field Merchandising Supervisor the TSR, the Regional Sales Managers and the Director of Core Channel Sales with the following:

1. Calling on pre-determined number of small stores
2. Prospecting for new business (Business Development)
3. Execution of store planograms
4. Execute new store sets and resets.
5. Utilize Power BI / Data Analysis

The above primary services will be in coordination with planned Sales and Marketing efforts to support and grow customer business. Primary area of concentration is the Mid-West zone. Individuals in this role will be responsible for coordination and executing on the activities listed above with all other departments as maybe necessary. This position will also require strong communication, relationship building and complete understanding of the customer base and associated attributes thereof.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sell the Dutch Valley family of products to a diverse customer base that includes a mix of Amish Bulk Food Stores, Country Stores, Independent Supermarkets
• Promote a large range of bulk food products, Delicatessen/Refrigerated/and Frozen items, and exclusive manufactured items within assigned territory.
• Consultative Selling designed to forge lasting relationships that result in customer loyalty.
• Optimize store visits and customer interactions to increase sales and profits.
• Own and understand customer problems in order to effectively offer solutions
• Be proactive in initiating and following-up on issues and opportunities
• Conduct sales calls to establish relationship with influential decision-makers for the purpose of uncovering new business opportunities.
• Develop annual, quarterly and monthly sales & marketing plans in support of business objectives
• Align Dutch Valley resources to effectively service emerging markets (logistics, product development, credit, transportation, warehouse, etc.), to ensure the commercial success for both Dutch Valley and the Customer.
• Ability to partner and drive issue resolution with other supervisors and leadership inside and outside of the department.
• Develop / prepare planograms as maybe necessary for store resets / new store setups.
• Coordinate and arrange resets / new store setups with field sales reps and store contact personnel.
• Make all arrangements of needed materials and supplies for resets / new store setups.
• Analyze data and insights of Core Channel customers by class and level to determine trends and product reset opportunities.
• Proficiency in utilizing BI / CRM to record all activities.
• Needs assessments / desires analysis with customers for proper reset / new store setup design.
• Travel as needed 40-50%

Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• College degree preferred or 2 or more years of retail experience required.
• This role requires a strong knowledge of the products in the bulk food category and the ability to utilize customer data to source opportunities and make appropriate customer recommendations.
• An understanding of retail bulk applications and merchandising/marketing of bulk is essential.
• Experienced with the demands and expectations of larger retail customers.
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365.
• Understanding of data analysis.
• Willingness to learn new software programs (Space Management and POG creation).
• Disciplined and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency to complete tasks.
• Ability to manage simultaneous projects while balancing priorities (time management).
• Superior time management skills, flexibility, and willingness to travel with frequent overnight stays required up to 40-50%.
• Strong fact-based data driven selling skills; ability to create, interpret, and present sales data to customers.
• Strong cold calling skills; strong listening, written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, self-disciplined and a good steward as it relates to company resources.
• Demonstrated ability to manage an assigned sales territory and consistently deliver results.
• Safe driving record.

Salary : $41,800 - $52,900