Talking Rain, the maker of Sparkling Ice, is looking for a Regional Sales Manager of Food Service for the Southwest. This role will focus on sales growth and development through non-traditional, non-retail accounts (e.g. on premise, schools, corporate accounts, key local market events). This is the perfect opportunity for a creative collaborator to identify new avenues to build brand equity, profit and revenue.Please note, the location for this field based role is flexible. Ideal cities include, but are not limited to, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and Little Rock.Essential FunctionsDevelop a "Go to Market" strategy for the foodservice and vending channels supported with broker network and regional sales force as needed.Coordinate pricing structure and programming support (rebates, incentives, etc.) designed at increasing distributor networks and driving new account sales.Lead the regional DSD team and broker network by studying existing and potential volumes of targeted distribution channels and creating avenues to increase volume.Build partnerships at all levels-from CEOs to street teams-that are mutually beneficial for both parties.Recommend changes in pricing, products, services, distribution, merchandising equipment, and techniques by evaluating results and competitive trends developments.Collaborate with internal partners in regional Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to outline, plan and execute food service distribution strategies to service immediate consumption commitments.Provide the most professional and courteous customer service and maintain excellent localized customer relations with customer base.Create and monitor broker analytic tools to study the business and identify trends.Prepare and deliver presentations on new products to existing customers and distributors, providing product information and tips on sales techniques, distribution, as well as volume driven programs.In conjunction with the Director of Immediate Consumption, develop annual budget, monitoring throughout the year for opportunities for greater efficiency and cost reduction.Provide month-end variance reports and explanations for actual expenses vs. budget.Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are followed at all times, notifying immediate supervisor of any food safety and/or quality issues.Complete other responsibilities as assigned.Interaction and EnvironmentReports to: Director, Immediate ConsumptionDirect Reports: N/A Job Requirements Values and TraitsHigh integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive information and situations.Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, requiring the ability to appropriately manage your time, often while multitasking.A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments and/or business units.Positivity, approaching each situation with optimism and energy.Ability to analyze market data and deliver value add results driven decision-making for the achievement of strategic and operational goals.Excellent communicator who can express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in written form. Ability to leverage emotional intelligence to adapt style, vocabulary, and content to the audience, with effective active listening skills.Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.Professional, business-like appearance and demeanor.Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.Minimum of five (5) years of sales experience, preferably in beverage or another CPG.Experience with regional and national accounts including, but not limited, to US Foods, Sysco, PFG, Gordon Foodservice, ARAMARK, Canteen, Foodbuy, Vistar, and Sodexo.Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, particularly PowerPoint and Outlook.
Work location: Dallas, TX