Position Summary

Outward Hound is seeking an experienced, energetic, and results-driven National Sales Manager to grow our Pet Specialty, Canada, and Mexico businesses. This role is responsible for developing strategic customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and executing sales strategies that drive profitable revenue growth across assigned accounts.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated professional with a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and a proven ability to influence outcomes. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, collaborate effectively across teams, and build strong partnerships with customers, distributors, sales representatives, and internal stakeholders to deliver business results.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue, profit, distribution, and market share goals.

• Identify and secure new business opportunities while expanding existing customer relationships.
• Lead business planning, line reviews, assortment recommendations, pricing discussions, and promotional programs.
• Negotiate customer agreements and programs that support company objectives.
• Deliver customer presentations, business reviews, and growth plans.

Customer Relationship Management
• Build and maintain relationships with buyers, merchants, distributors, and key decision makers.
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned accounts.
• Develop strategic partnerships that support long-term growth.

Account & Performance Management
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, competitive activity, and customer insights.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasts and communicate opportunities and risks.
• Monitor key performance indicators to achieve sales and profitability objectives.
• Leverage data to support business decisions and recommendations.

Cross-Functional Leadership
• Partner with Marketing, Category Management, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Finance, Product Development, and Ecommerce teams to execute customer initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments to solve problems, improve processes, and drive growth.
• Advocate for customer needs while balancing company priorities.

Representative & Market Management
• Manage and support independent sales representatives and distributor partners.
• Represent Outward Hound at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.
• Support Canadian and Mexican business development initiatives.

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 Pet Specialty retailers and/or Canadian or Mexican customers preferred.
• Experience managing independent sales representatives, brokers, or distributors preferred.
• Demonstrated success growing sales, increasing distribution, and achieving revenue goals.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications
• 7+ years of National Account Sales experience in the CPG industry.
• Pet industry experience, particularly with treats, consumables, toys, or accessories.
• Experience leading annual business planning, line reviews, and product launches.
• Experience working with Canadian and/or Mexican retail markets.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French skills are a plus.

KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics)

Knowledge
• CPG sales and national account management.
• Pet Specialty retail channels and distributor networks.
• Forecasting, pricing, promotional planning, and business analytics.
• Canadian and/or Mexican retail markets preferred.

Skills
• Strategic selling and business development.
• Relationship management and negotiation.
• Presentation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Cross-functional collaboration and project management.
• Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.

Abilities
• Identify and execute growth opportunities.
• Influence customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Translate data and insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Work effectively across functions to achieve business objectives.

Other Characteristics
• High-energy, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
• Strong work ethic with a high level of accountability and ownership.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Collaborative team player who builds strong cross-functional relationships.
• Customer-focused, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound business judgment.

Measurable Performance Indicators
• Success in this role may be measured by:
• Achievement of annual sales, profit, and distribution goals.
• Growth of assigned Pet Specialty, Canada, and Mexico accounts.
• Acquisition of new business and distribution opportunities.
• Forecast accuracy and effective account planning.
• Successful execution of promotions, product launches, and customer initiatives.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder partnerships.

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