Market Development Leader II - Elkton, MD/Wilmington, DE

About the role

The Market Development Leader II (MDL II) is responsible for partnering with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors to achieve maximum sales profitability and market penetration. This role requires proactive communications and maintaining professional relations with IOs and distributors to ensure they are aligned with the Company's initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Communicate Company's sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors.
• Ensure obligations and rights of both the Company IOs and Distributors are preserved.
• Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
• Provide a weekly Sales/IO Work-with planner to Sales Operations Director (SOD).
• Spend time on DC loading docks to hear concerns from IOs.
• Facilitate ways to improve results by providing information on suggestions to grow market share.
• Assist MDL I and SOD in planning regularly scheduled workshop meetings.
• Conduct store visits to maintain open and proactive business relationships.
• Address IOs when they are not meeting minimum service standards.
• Ensure required resets are successful.
• Operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck, safely.
• Provide route ride-a-longs to offer route optimization and skill sharing opportunities.
• Work with the Company Settlement Department to assist in resolving IO issues regarding Settlement Statements.
• Work proactively in a cross-functional team with diverse groups of people.
• Report food, office or operational safety problems to a supervisor or manager.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures, such as Good Manufacturing Practices, GMPs; OSHA standards; FDA standards; and work and safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned that impact and support the overall outcome of the Company’s objectives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma is required.
• Bachelor's degree in business is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales operations, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industry.
• DSD experience is preferred.

Skills

• 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 to meet the day’s objectives.
• Capability to build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.
• Ethical selling and negotiation skills that can be shared with IOs and Distributors at their request.
• 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. Must have excellent organization skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Ability to embrace technology to make informed business decisions.
• Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to effectively convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Effective problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
• Effective business acumen and a strategic mindset.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a DOT medical card.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Life insurance.
• A 401(k) plan with profit sharing.
• An Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Company car, fuel card, and cell phone reimbursement.
• Eleven days of paid time off and six paid company holidays throughout the calendar year.