Associate Director, Sales (Kroger and Albertsons)

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We’re not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It’s in our DNA. We’ve turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world’s largest meat snack business, that’s still proudly family owned and operated.

We’re a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

At Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Sales for Kroger and Albertsons is responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies, building and managing a high-performing sales team, and driving revenue growth in the channel. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute the 1–3-year strategic plan to grow sales, market share, and overall leadership position in the category.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, supply chain, and finance, to ensure the successful execution of sales strategies and achieve AOP objectives.
• Lead key customer initiatives (i.e. Compass, 3CM, CPI).
• Plan and conduct quarterly business reviews and annual top to top meetings.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships.
• Manage the team’s trade spending to drive profitable business, including the use of trade promotion and sales planning management systems.
• Review sales progress, strategies, and business opportunities and develop plans to correct any business shortfall.
• Understand and utilize category data to review business performance, identify business trends and opportunities.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Understand and utilize P&Ls to drive financial performance, including managing A/R and Deductions.
• Accountable for the development and accuracy of sales forecasts by customer and product to drive production planning and supply chain excellence.
• Understand and report back on the competitive landscape and activity.
• Represent Jack Link’s at industry events and conferences and be an advocate for the brand in the market.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), walk, stand for extended periods of time, and repetitive use of hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. The position involves exposure to the odor and possible contact with food products, spices, and sauces. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of sales experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), with direct sales experience working specifically with Kroger and Albertsons.
• 3+ years of experience in managing sales teams.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

The salary range for this role is $170,000 – $190,000(Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

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.