Position SummaryOutward Hound is seeking an experienced, energetic, and highly motivated National Sales Manager to drive growth within the Farm, Club, Grocery, and Hardware channels. This individual will be responsible for developing strategic customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and executing sales strategies that deliver profitable revenue growth across assigned accounts.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for delivering results. They are a proactive, relationship-driven sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and consistently demonstrates ownership and accountability. This individual excels at building collaborative partnerships across departments, aligning internal stakeholders and customers to achieve shared business objectives. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence and work effectively across functions to drive execution and growth.
Key Responsibilities Sales & Business Development - Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue, profitability, and distribution objectives.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities while expanding existing customer relationships.
- Lead annual business planning, line reviews, promotional planning, assortment recommendations, and pricing discussions.
- Negotiate customer programs and agreements that support both customer and company objectives.
- Deliver impactful sales presentations, business reviews, and growth plans.
- Customer Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with merchants, buyers, and key decision makers.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts.
- Establish trusted partnerships that support long-term business growth.
- Develop a deep understanding of customer strategies, objectives, and business needs.
Cross-Functional Leadership - Partner closely with Category Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Finance, Ecommerce, Customer Service, and Product Development teams to execute customer initiatives.
- Build strong working relationships across departments to align priorities, solve problems, and deliver business results.
- Serve as a key voice of the customer while balancing company objectives and profitability goals.
- Lead collaboration efforts supporting promotions, product launches, and growth initiatives.
Representative & Industry Management - Manage and support independent sales representatives to maximize account performance and market opportunities.
- Establish accountability and performance expectations with broker and representative partners.
- Represent Outward Hound at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and sales conferences.
Account & Performance Management
- Analyze sales performance, market trends, competitive activity, and customer insights to identify opportunities and risks.
- Maintain accurate sales forecasts and communicate business performance effectively.
- Monitor key performance indicators to ensure achievement of sales and profitability goals.
- Utilize data and analytics to make informed business decisions and recommendations.
Minimum Requirements - Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of National Account Sales experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
- Experience selling to Farm, Club, Grocery, Hardware, or Mass retailers preferred.
- Experience managing independent sales representatives preferred.
- Demonstrated success growing sales, increasing distribution, and achieving revenue targets.
- Proven ability to develop new business and strengthen existing customer relationships.
- Strong presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% or as needed.
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred.
- 7+ years of National Account Sales experience within the CPG industry.
- Experience selling to Farm, Club, Grocery, Hardware, or Mass retailers.
- Pet industry experience, particularly with treats, consumables, toys, or accessories.
- Experience managing brokers, independent sales agencies, or sales representatives.
- Proven success expanding distribution, launching new products, and driving profitable growth.
Measurable Performance Indicators - Success in this role may be measured by:
- Achievement of annual sales, revenue, margin, and distribution objectives.
- Growth of assigned customer accounts and acquisition of new business opportunities.
- Forecast accuracy and effective account planning.
- Successful execution of customer programs, promotions, and product launches.
- Strong cross-functional partnership and collaboration.
- Development and maintenance of strategic customer relationships.
- Timely completion of reporting, business reviews, and planning activities.
KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics) - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sales and national account management.
- Retail customer planning, forecasting, pricing, and promotional strategies.
- Farm, Club, Grocery, Hardware, Mass retail channels.
- Sales analysis, margin management, and business planning.
- Strategic selling and business development.
- Relationship building and account management.
- Presentation, negotiation, and communication
- Analytical thinking and problem solving.
- Project management and organization.
- Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
- Develop and execute growth strategies.
- Build credibility and influence customers and internal stakeholders.
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaborate effectively across departments to achieve business objectives.
- Interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
- High-energy, self-motivated, and results-driven.
- Strong work ethic with a high degree of ownership and accountability.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Collaborative and skilled at building strong cross-functional partnerships.
- Customer-focused, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound business judgment.
Location Outward Hound is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. Local candidates strongly preferred, but will consider candidates in certain parts of the country.
Our Benefits (for full-time employees) - Medical / Dental / Vision/Accident
- HSA
- 401K & 100% Employer Match (Fully vested after 1 year)
- Flexible Paid Time Off (includes vacation and sick time)
- Parental Leave
- Basic Term Life and AD&D (Employer Paid)
- Voluntary Term Life and AD&D
- Pet Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Annual Bonus Potential
We invite all candidates to apply! Salary Range: $115K-$175K (DOE) with bonus opportunity
