Territory Sales Representative, Illinois

Champion Petfoods Europe • Chicago, IL

5d • Remote

About The Position

Champion Petfoods is seeking a Territory Sales Representative to represent its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands to retail and distribution partners in an assigned Illinois territory. The position is open to candidates who currently reside in Chicago or Milwaukee. The TSR executes the company’s sales strategy by growing sales and distribution, developing retailer relationships, providing product education, and ensuring strong in-store execution. The role works closely with retailers, distributors, distributor representatives, and the Regional Sales Manager to support territory growth.

The representative manages territory plans and account coverage, identifies new business opportunities, monitors competitors and market trends, and provides business-building recommendations to retail partners. The role also supports distributors through joint calls, ride-alongs, and product education; maintains merchandising and promotional standards; trains retail and distributor teams; and represents Champion Petfoods at industry, retailer, and consumer events.

Administrative responsibilities include maintaining CRM records, reporting sales activity, submitting expenses and other reports on time, and sharing territory updates and market insights with the Regional Sales Manager. Success is measured by sales and distribution growth, account development, retail execution, customer engagement, and effective territory management. Travel averages 50% within the territory, including required overnights. Evening and weekend work may be needed for events, and the role occasionally requires lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds.

Requirements

• Outside sales experience; experience in the pet specialty industry is ideal.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to handle, manage, and overcome objections in the sales process.
• Ability to collaborate with a remote team with a proactive, results-driven mindset.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and a CRM program.
• Experience presenting to large and small groups.
• Availability to travel an average of 50% within the territory, with overnight travel required.
• Availability for work events on evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Currently reside in Chicago or Milwaukee.

Nice To Haves

• Consumer packaged goods or retail experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute territory plans aligned with regional sales objectives.
• Grow sales and distribution within existing retail accounts and pursue new account opportunities.
• Maintain account coverage based on territory priorities and monitor competitor activity, pricing, and market trends.
• Build relationships with retailer and distributor partners and CPF Distributor managers.
• Conduct joint sales calls and ride-alongs with distributor representatives, and support distributor sales through product education and field collaboration.
• Deliver business-building recommendations to retail partners.
• Maintain merchandising standards in priority accounts and improve brand visibility through displays, secondary placements, signage, and promotional execution.
• Monitor assortment, shelf placement, and pricing compliance, and follow through on corrective actions for execution gaps.
• Conduct product training and education sessions for retail associates and distributor teams.
• Represent Champion Petfoods at industry, retailer, and consumer events and advocate for ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity reporting.
• Complete expenses, reports, and administrative tasks by established deadlines.
• Provide regular territory updates, opportunities, and market insights to the Regional Sales Manager.
• Meet sales, distribution, retail execution, customer development, and operational performance expectations.

Benefits

• Annual incentive eligibility.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• In-house and online learning and development.
• Education assistance program.
• Free bag of premium pet food each month.
• Basic life insurance for eligible employees and dependents.
• Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• 120 hours of vacation per year, subject to prorating based on start date and work schedule.
• Paid sick time for eligible associates, with 100% pay continuation for up to 40 hours per calendar year.
• 12 paid holidays, including fixed and flexible holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed