Director - Sales

The Director is critical to the current and future growth and profitability of the Company.  The Director Sales is recognized by both the Management Committee and his/her peers as a key contributor to the organization.   He/she exhibits high proficiency in performance of responsibilities.  The designation of Director requires Management Committee approval.

The Director is located in larger markets and has direct responsibility for the management of, and development of a department of Business Managers and Account Managers aligned by retail categories or departments such as Grocery, Frozen Foods, HBC, Deli/Bakery, Confection, etc. The Director is also directly responsible to the General Manager for all sales functions with his/her department.  In some instances, a director may have responsibility for a particular customer team

• Achieve Corporate Revenue Goals: Drive and deliver corporate revenue targets within the agreed timelines and budget constraints.
• Maximize Sales Fundamentals: Ensure principals' volume, share, and sales fundamentals (Merchandising, Assortment, Pricing, and Shelving) are met for assigned customers at the lowest possible cost.
• Optimize Selling Costs: Achieve goals while minimizing selling costs and maximizing company revenue through brokerage, commissions, bonuses, and contest earnings.
• Oversee Expenditures: Manage manufacturers' expenditures at the customer level efficiently.
• Develop Customer Business Plans: Create and sell comprehensive business plans, communicating principals' priorities to various managers and the retail selling organization to achieve in-store presence and business objectives.
• Build Strong Relationships: Establish and maintain superior business relationships with all customers, personally engaging with key decision-makers.
• Primary Point of Contact: Serve as the main contact for customer-specific issues, including Category Management, Consumer Shopping Behavior, and Promotions Strategies.
• Manage Trade-Marketing Funds: Develop systems to manage trade-marketing funds in line with company guidelines and policies, aiming to minimize sales-related deductions.
• Coach and Assist Business Managers: Provide guidance and support to Business Managers in managing their accounts and enhancing their understanding of principal accounts.
• Leverage Corporate Capabilities: Maintain exceptional relationships with principals, representing the company on key issues and leveraging multi-functional resources for business gain.
• Identify New Opportunities: Develop relationships with key manufacturers to uncover new business opportunities and increase principals' business.
• Utilize Analytical Skills: Apply excellent analytical skills, including Category Management, to improve business results and stay updated on industry trends.
• Exhibit Leadership Qualities: Demonstrate leadership qualities consistent with the company's culture, develop and oversee the performance of assigned Business Managers.
• Special Projects: Take on special projects as requested, ensuring all physical requirements are met.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED
• Bachelor’s Degree

Work Experience

• Must have a proven track record in a sales capacity with a food broker or major national company. 
• Prior experience must demonstrate sales skills with the ability to successfully manage and direct others.
• Experience working with Ingles or in the Southeast preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in a variety of software packages used to support the sales function
• Possess strong interpersonal, organizational, presentation, negotiation, and sales skills. 
• Ability to analyze sales and marketing information needed to make effective sales presentations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• This position requires that you drive on behalf of Acosta Sales & Marketing. Therefore, any DUI/DWI conviction in the past 36 months will be an immediate disqualifier for this position.

Physical

• Seeing
• Ability to Travel 
• Listening

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