Territory Sales Representative, Illinois

Mars•Chicago, IL

6d•$64,000 - $88,000•Remote

About The Position

Champion Petfoods is hiring a Territory Sales Representative to execute the company’s sales strategy across an assigned Illinois territory. The representative will grow sales and distribution, expand retail accounts, strengthen retailer and distributor relationships, and deliver strong in-store execution for the ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands. The role works closely with retailers, distributors, and the Regional Sales Manager and is open to candidates residing in Chicago or Milwaukee. The position combines outside sales, account management, product education, merchandising, territory planning, and reporting. Travel averages 50% within the territory, with overnight stays required. Evening and weekend work may be needed for events. The role occasionally involves lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds. Champion Petfoods makes premium pet foods and describes its mission as advancing premium food for pets. The company emphasizes safety, quality, learning and development, diversity, and equal opportunity.

Requirements

Outside sales experience; pet specialty industry experience is ideal.
Ability to build and maintain relationships.
Ability to handle, manage, and overcome objections during 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.
Flexibility to travel an average of 50% within the territory, including overnight stays.
Availability for work events on evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
Candidates must 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 according to territory priorities and monitor competitor activity, pricing, and market trends.
Build relationships with retailer and distributor partners, including Champion Petfoods distributor managers.
Conduct joint sales calls and ride-alongs with distributor representatives and support distributor sales through product education and field collaboration.
Recommend business-building actions to retail partners.
Maintain merchandising standards and increase brand visibility through displays, secondary placements, signage, and promotional execution.
Monitor product assortment, shelf placement, and pricing compliance; address execution gaps and follow through on corrective actions.
Train and educate retail associates and distributor teams on products.
Represent Champion Petfoods at industry, retailer, and consumer events and advocate for ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands.
Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity reports.
Complete expenses, reports, and administrative tasks by established deadlines.
Provide the Regional Sales Manager with territory updates, opportunities, and market insights.
Manage territory priorities and contribute to sales goals, distribution growth, execution excellence, customer engagement, and effective territory management.

Benefits

Annual incentive eligibility.
401(k) with company matching.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Employee assistance programs.
In-house and online learning and development.
Education assistance program.
One free bag of premium pet food each month.
Basic life insurance plans for eligible employees and dependents.
Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave may be available to eligible employees.
120 hours of vacation per year, subject to proration 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 per calendar year, including fixed and flexible holidays.