Market Development Leader I - Lebanon, TN

About the role

The Market Development Leader I plays a crucial role in the Sales team, focusing on maximizing sales profitability and market penetration through strategic partnerships with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors (MDs).

Responsibilities

• Communicate Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and MDs to maintain proactive and professional relations.
• Ensure preservation of IOs and MDs’ obligations and rights.
• Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
• Provide a weekly Sales/IO Work-with planner to the Sales Operations Director (SOD).
• Spend time on DC loading docks to hear IOs' concerns and facilitate improvements.
• Facilitate ways to grow market share through promotional activities, following store-level planograms, and introducing new products.
• Afford store managers and decision-makers the opportunity to see Utz’s support for IOs and distributors.
• Conduct store visits to reinforce Utz’s support and offer display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions.
• Identify successes and opportunities for growth, as well as areas needing improvement, using the Store Summary form.
• Address IOs who are not meeting minimum service standards and ensure successful resets.
• Operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck, safely and run occasional open routes.
• Work proactively in cross-functional teams and provide route ride-alongs.
• Assist in resolving IO issues related to Settlement Statements.
• Report food, office, or operational safety problems to supervisors or managers.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA standards, FDA standards, and work and safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Company’s objectives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor's degree in business preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in sales operations, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industry.
• DSD experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of Independent Distribution models, including familiarity with Independent Operator/Distributor Agreements and the obligations and rights of both the Company and the Independent Distributor.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible.
• Proactive communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Effective problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
• Effective business acumen and a strategic mindset.

Skills

• Knowledgeable about Independent Distribution models.
• Familiarity with Independent Operator/Distributor Agreements.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport.
• Proactive communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective leadership and communication skills.
• Problem identification and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.

Benefits

At Utz, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan, and more. We also provide resources and programs to help our associates live their healthiest lives.

Pay

Compensation details are confidential and will be provided during the interview process.

Schedule

The schedule for this role is flexible and will be discussed during the interview process.