District Sales Manager

H&S Family of Bakeries•Newark, NJ

About The Position

The District Sales Manager is a managerial and administrative position that influences Schmidt’s sales, distribution, and customer service. The role manages a territory of stores, product outlets, and institutions, with responsibilities that generally include maximizing sales, working with accounts, overseeing quality control, and ensuring Independent Operators comply with distribution agreements. District Sales Managers represent Schmidt to stores, institutional customers, and Independent Operators, using independent judgment and discretion to address customer, logistical, and managerial issues.

Requirements

At least 3 years of sales experience.
Considerable working knowledge of sales, distribution, and customer relations.
Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and build rapport.
Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with customers, Independent Operators, and Schmidt upper-level management.
Ability to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare and use reports.
Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
Ability to use independent judgment.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Ability to use a computer, handheld and sales equipment, a copy machine, a calculator, order spreadsheets, and distribution and inventory management software.
Must be medically certifiable by the Department of Transportation to drive a truck.
Ability to work long hours during peak periods.

Nice To Haves

Some college education preferred.
Demonstrated customer service experience preferred.
Management experience preferred.
Knowledge of the bread industry preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage a territory of sales routes serving Schmidt accounts.
Plan and strategize how to manage schedules and competing priorities effectively.
Develop relationships and rapport with stores and outlets in the assigned territory.
Regularly visit the market and confer with accounts; use in-store opportunities to improve satisfaction, quality control, sales, and displays.
Review and analyze data and assess trends that affect sales.
Create plans to reduce returns using independent judgment and discretion.
Resolve reported customer and outlet problems using independent judgment and discretion.
Conduct spot and return audits and competitor surveys, and review and reduce shrinkage in scanner-based sales.
Ensure customer order accuracy and anticipate product supply needs.
Perform store resets and take advantage of opportunities presented.
Communicate and sell Schmidt promotions to Independent Operators and Schmidt accounts.
Ensure Independent Operators comply with distribution agreements.
Assist Independent Operators with problem resolution, relationship building, orientation, and growing their businesses.
Recommend contractual remedies when appropriate for breaches by Independent Operators.
Identify and facilitate opportunities to obtain new accounts and outlets.
Ensure coverage for open routes and supply during weather emergencies.
Address safety concerns in the depot.
Direct Schmidt warehouse and clerical staff as needed.
Substitute for drivers in emergencies when the company must assume a route because of driver incapacity and lack of a route reliever or substitute.
Perform Branch management functions delegated by the Branch Manager and other branch-specific duties.