Market Development Leader II - Chicago, IL

Utz Brands, Inc.•Chicago, IL

1h•$65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Market Development Leader II partners with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors to support sales profitability and market penetration through selling strategies and proactive communications. Reporting to the Sales Operations Director, the role communicates company initiatives for sales, service, merchandising standards, and product distribution while recognizing that IOs and distributors are independent company partners, not subject to company direction and control. The role also works with retail customers, internal teams, and company departments to support sales growth, service standards, and operational objectives in the assigned region.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
At least 5 years of experience in sales operations.
Knowledge of independent distribution models, including familiarity with Independent Operator/Distributor Agreements and the rights and obligations of the company and independent distributors.
Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and remain flexible in meeting daily objectives.
Ability 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.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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.
Ability to use technology to make informed business decisions.
Effective leadership, presentation, and communication skills to convey insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
Problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
Business acumen and a strategic mindset.
Valid driver's license.
Possess or be able to obtain a DOT medical card.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business.
Sales operations experience in the snacks, grocery, or beverage industry.
Direct-store-delivery (DSD) experience.

Responsibilities

Communicate company sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors and maintain professional working relationships focused on market-share growth.
Preserve the rights and obligations of the company, IOs, and distributors.
Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards.
Provide the Sales Operations Director with a weekly Sales/IO work-with planner.
Spend time with IOs on distribution-center loading docks to hear their concerns.
Share suggestions and information to help IOs and distributors improve results, including promotional advertising, planogram execution, new-product introductions, additional shelf space, points of interruption, and store-level relationships.
Assist the MDL I and Sales Operations Director in planning regularly scheduled workshops to help IOs and distributors use available tools and resources to realize their sales potential.
Reinforce with retail managers and store decision makers that Utz supports IOs and distributors and values its relationships with them.
Visit stores in the assigned region to maintain business relationships, offer display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, promotions, and product introductions, and clarify that IOs and distributors invoice products to their stores.
Use Store Summary forms to identify DSD sales successes, growth opportunities, and IO underperformance; work with the Sales Operations Director to address failure to meet contractual minimum service standards.
Ensure required resets are successful.
Occasionally run an open route when the company has bought a route back from an IO or distributor, and safely operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck.
Provide route ride-alongs at the request of an Independent Distributor, offering route optimization and skill-sharing opportunities.
Liaise between Independent Operators and the Company Settlement Department to help resolve issues with Settlement Statements.
Work proactively with cross-functional teams and diverse groups of people.
Work with management and associates to ensure food-safety programs are followed.
Report food, office, or operational safety problems to a supervisor or manager.
Follow applicable policies, guidelines, and procedures, including GMPs, OSHA and FDA standards, and work and safety rules.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of company objectives.