Purpose of the Position

Leads and directs the sales function for a business unit to meet or exceed sales revenue, sales profitability and volume. The role involves strategic planning, managing people, selling, relationship building and managing the bottom line for assigned category's sales.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Develops plans and strategies for developing business and achieving the company's sales goals. Creates a culture of success and ongoing business and goal achievement. Manages sales staff and resources to deliver profitable growth. Manages annual sales budgets. Defines optimal sales force structure. Ensures communications are coordinated, support sales plan objectives and meet organizational expenditure requirements in conjunction with the SVP, Marketing.

Responsible for final approval of product pricing. Sets expectations for pricing of our products. Along with the SVP, Marketing, closely manages and has final approval of contract pricing for our customers. With market based sales, we use the benchmarks provided by the SVP, Marketing to manage sales performance to ensure we are maximizing the value of our products relative to the market price.

Manages multiple selling channels including: Retail, Club Store, Food Service (QSR, Casual Dining Industrial), Food Service Distribution, International Commodities, and Seconds. Manages Customer Service and logistics for domestic sales.

Assesses market potential and identifies new business opportunities and synergies. Works to provide detailed and accurate sales forecasting. Compiles information and data related to customer and prospect interactions. Monitors customer, market and competitor activity and provides feedback to company leadership team and other company functions. Manages key customer relationships and participates in closing strategic opportunities. Travels for in-person meetings with customers and partners and to develop key relationships. Develops and implements sales selling cycle and methodology based on market research and competitor analysis.

Hires and develops sales staff. Defines and oversees sales staff compensation that motivates the sales team to achieve their sales targets. Defines and coordinates sales training programs that enable staff to achieve their potential and support company sales objectives. Provides expertise to the company by building, developing and managing sales teams capable of carrying out the company strategies and tactics.

Defines sales processes that drive desired sales outcomes. Identifies improvements where and when required. Manages customer expectations and contributes to a high level of customer satisfaction. Put infrastructure and systems in place to support the success of the sales function. In conjunction with the VP, Marketing, helps to lead a compelling strategic vision that is in alignment with the organization's short and long-term goals.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Presents information to small or large groups. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Travels domestic & international to and from multiple markets as needed 50%-60% a month.

Technical Experience: 10 years managing a multi-million dollar customer base, 5 years managing an established sales team and 2 years contract negotiating. Financial training and account management experience required. Positive attitude, strong work ethic, proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, excellent organization, communication and presentation skills.

Industry Experience: Poultry selling experience strongly preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree Business or related field or 4 years related work experience.

Preferred Education: Related Master's Degree.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.