Utz Quality Foods is seeking a
VP, Sales Operations: West to join our Sales team. Leading the sales teams in assigned geographies, the Vice President of Sales Operations creates and executes sales strategies; ensures the achievement of Sales Objectives in a sustainable and profitable manner; analyzes and prepares sales forecasts; attracts, retains and develops top talent; ensures that the team has an excellent working relationship with all customers and Independent Operators/Distributors; protects and grows market share; improves Direct Store Delivery, DSD, route capacity by achieving route split objectives and sales center upgrades; and ensures that safety is a priority.
We need someone located near
Orange County/ Los Angeles County, CA, Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ or San Leandro, CA.Responsibilities- Develops and influences sales team members and partners at multiple levels.
- Demonstrates proper and effective leadership to all Independent Operators/Distributors.
- Creates, finalizes, and executes sales forecasts, strategies, and objectives in the assigned regions. Creates and implements new ideas and contingency plans to achieve assigned objectives.
- Achieves all annual financial budgets (Salaries, T&E, warehouse labor).
- Studies market analysis figures furnished by the sales analytics team, evaluating market share, insights, and consumers trends to ensure that Utz continues to grow.
- Works with the Supply Chain team to optimize product mix in the warehouses and on the store shelves.
- Evaluates competitor's sales activities to determine opportunities for Utz.
- Leads the sales team in sourcing new accounts.
- Develops and maintains an excellent working relationship with all customer management and account personnel through frequent contact. Makes necessary chain/key headquarter account calls as assigned.
- Represents Utz at tradeshows and other sales events as needed.
- Creates, executes, and tracks promotional plans across retailers, ensuring submissions are correct and aligns with our overall strategy.
- Manages new product launches to ensure distribution is on schedule and new items hit shelves on time.
- Analyzes sales results, prepares reports, and delivers presentations on a timely basis.
- Communicates with the Sales Operations Directors on a daily basis to review results and focus areas, coaching and providing direction as needed.
- Communicates and coordinates with company executives and department heads for maximum achievements of sales, profits, and satisfied customers.
- Conducts regional sales meetings with team.
- Conducts quarterly meetings with Independent Operators/Distributors at all assigned sales centers (warehouses).
- Improves overall Independent Operators/Distributor engagement.
- Evaluates and maintains appropriate talent levels to ensure strong sales growth, a qualified bench for succession planning, and loyalty to the Utz Brand of products.
- Leads execution across all of the key customers.
- Ensures their team is developing skills by utilizing training programs and developmental opportunities.
- Analyzes sales routes within regions, consolidating routes and developing new routes as needed.
- Submits an itinerary and activity report on a weekly basis.
- Ensures that all authorized policies, programs, and instructions are communicated effectively.
- Oversees that facilities in the region meet Utz facility and safety standards.
- Ensures that Food Safety programs are followed.
- Perform other duties as assigned that will impact and support the overall outcome of the Company's objectives.
- Travel: 60% to 70%.
- Salary: $200k to $240k.
Requirements- 15+ years of relevant experience in DSD Sales and Operations.
- Demonstrated leadership ability with a proven track record of guiding, motivating, and developing high-performing sales teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and positive attitude, fostering innovation and adaptability within a dynamic sales environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of regional sales management operations, with hands-on experience successfully leading teams to achieve ambitious sales targets.
- Exceptional collaboration skills, able to work effectively across all organizational levels and partner closely with sales teams in both market and warehouse settings.
- Outstanding communication capabilities, including delivering presentations, facilitating meetings, and producing high-quality written materials.
- Strong business acumen with deep insight into company objectives, market dynamics, and organizational culture.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and other industry-standard software for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
- Expertise in leveraging technology and software solutions to drive sales strategy, including forecasting, analytics, and budgeting.
- Experience in interpreting IRI and retailer data to inform and implement effective sales strategies.
- Superior time management skills, capable of prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects to meet organizational goals.
- A valid driver's license and willingness to travel weekly, including overnight accommodations, throughout a sizeable territory is also required.
- Bachelor's degree in business preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
External Recruitment Process- Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
- Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
- Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.
- 7+ years proven sales experience in a related position within the consumer products goods industry with direct account responsibility.
- 3+ years of experience utilizing syndicated data.
- Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate several sources of data to develop actionable insights.
- This position requires extensive use of computer equipment. Must have a demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft business software to include Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. Familiarity with Nielsen or IRI programs is preferred.
- Requires a valid driver's license.
