Territory Manager (Mid-West Territory)

Feb. 14, 2012

Minneapolis, MN

Confidential

Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC (ASM) is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. ASM services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Position Overview

The District Sales Manager is responsible for the overall Sales execution of business objectives and client in-store demonstration programs within their assigned territory. In this key leadership role, the District Sales Manager supports client programs by managing the Sales execution teams dedicated to in-store programs. The position is responsible for driving event execution results through hands-on management of teams, objectives, training and through close coordination with peer management and support teams.

Job Responsibilities

Driving demonstration events within your district through flawless execution and effective results management

Program management of all designated part time specialists in your assigned district

Effectively planning, managing, and executing all client programs in your respective district

Effective hiring, schedule management, training, personnel development and program oversight of all programs in your respective district

Working closely with the Regional Manager to develop strategies for retention, hiring and maximizing performance within your assigned district

Regular reporting against client mandated objectives

Results Management:

Actively manage flawless event execution through a combination of proactive hiring, training, scheduling, supervision and in-store oversight

Ability to work weekends on a Wednesday through Sunday work schedule

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with retailer partners

Analyze data and develop appropriate plans in order to drive merchandising execution in retail accounts

Delivery of product training content, in settings from 1:1 to large group presentations

Special projects, as assigned by senior management

Team Management:

Regularly conduct coaching sessions with Sales team to discuss strategies for ongoing demonstration and improvement in addition to regular visits re: Coaching/Accountability/Motivation

Communicate with Sales team within assigned District to address Sales issues/discrepancies, determine appropriate mode of communicate depending on nature of issue

Ensure Sales team's accurate and timely collection of data per client request

Utilize Campaigners' reporting to review Sales team's results, monitor un-staffed locations and assess trends

Drive part-time representative execution of all client-mandated metrics

Training of Sales team in areas of store relationship building, product knowledge, and selling skills

Interviewing, Hiring, Managing & Scheduling of 45-55 remote direct reports conducting Sales & Training Events in Big Box Retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred degree in Marketing and/or Public Relations. MBA a plus

3 to 5 years of retail management experience with hiring, managing part-time employees, demonstration or event marketing, , results reporting, inventory, merchandising and training experience (P&L responsibility and/or multi unit experience a plus)

Strong computer skills for managing schedules and reporting results via on-line systems

Ability to drive measurable, sustainable results

Strong coaching and performance management skills

Flexibility to work weekends on rotating schedule and to visit and work directly with team members and retail partners to ensure success of all in-store activities

Effective, proven leadership skills and the ability to build morale and motivate a Sales based team of part-time employees to achieve program goals and objectives

Proficient computer knowledge

Have a proven track record in with an emphasis on building long term client relationships

Have a strong work ethic, a disciplined and motivated team player who can work well without direct supervision

Experience in selling in the merchandising and retail services arena preferred

Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

Self-starter with above average planning and organizational skills

Creative team player with excellent people skills

Travel Requirements

Travel regularly to the stores within your district (including occasional overnight travel)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified.

Are you passionate about Service Excellence, Results, Integrity, Entrepreneurial Focus and Leadership: These are our values at ASM. Come learn why "Winning Together" is more than just words on a piece of paper. It is the vision by which we live our mission as an organization: "To create outstanding value for clients and customers through superior sales execution, operational excellence and innovative marketing services."

ASM is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, ASM shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.