Customer Development Manager - Natural Channel

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get… authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side® with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Link Snacks, Inc., family of brands includes Jack Link's, Lorissa's Kitchen, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

The Customer Development Manager is responsible for growing & developing Jack Link’s sales & profitability across the natural channel by implementing detailed strategic sales plans for these customers (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and similar retailers).  This position will require working closely with key customers and internal stakeholders including trade planning, marketing, demand planning, customer service, and category management.  The ideal candidate will live in the Central U.S. or East Coast but can manage remotely with travel.

PRIMARY ROLE FOCUS:

• Gain Distribution of LSI Natural Items within the Natural Channel
• Achieving sales objectives as assigned by the Channel Director within the trade budget
• Build strong customer relationships
• Develop solid DSMP (Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, Pricing) plans that drive category growth
• Clearly understand customer strategy and align on annual business plans that meet growth expectations

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop plans for natural channel business opportunities focused on expanding Jack Link’s in-store presence
• Responsible for analyzing customer data and developing an action plan to achieve sales goals
• Execute annual business plans to maximize top-line and bottom-line growth and achieve volume, market share, and profit/contribution objectives within the assigned trade budget.
• Provide transparent & timely communication to internal team members and our customers/brokers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Trade Marketing, Research & Development) in creating both short & long-term category and channel strategies
• Create and present information in a compelling and persuasive manner
• Effectively builds relationships throughout customer organizations and at various levels internally at Jack Link’s: Executive Management, Operations, Supply Planning, and Marketing
• Manage deduction & AR issues on all applicable accounts
• Responsible for building, training, and leading broker network where applicable

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years CPG direct sales experience with at least 3 years within the Natural Channel
• Previous HQ Sales management experience with Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market.
• Proven track record of positive sales performance within the Natural Channel
• Strong knowledge of MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of CRM and planning software (e.g. Salesforce, SPT, SAP)
• Strong communication & presentation skills
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Leveraging data/analysis to drive end-user opportunities

DESIRED BEHAVIORS:

• Full ownership over all aspects of the customer relationship
• Professional, Consultative, Challenger selling skills
• Customer Focused
• Resilient in the face of adversity
• Embraces change and technology
• Passionate to succeed
• Driven to win
• Strive to be a Leader
• High sense of urgency

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 40% - 50% travel depending on business needs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift 25 to 50 pounds for customer samples and displays
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to customers/brokers and Jack Link’s locations

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.