Category Sales Manager - Grocery

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Maintain and grow profitable sales with new and existing Grocery Foodservice accounts in the US, with a focus on B2C and B2B2C channels. Ensure compliance with Kagome’s contract management program and established business processes to drive operational efficiency and reduce risk. Provide outstanding customer service and effective account management that contribute to the growth and success of Kagome Inc. while meeting expectations of Kagome leadership.

Support the review, understanding and compliance of all programs, policies and procedures contained in the Food Safety and Quality Management System. Incumbent must understand their role in food safety and regulatory responsibilities as required by the SQF Food Safety Code and report any food safety concerns to initiate appropriate action. Actively participate and support the 5S and MES initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain and grow existing accounts through line extensions and account penetration, focusing on National and Regional grocery chains/segments. Target and prioritize to ensure alignment with Kagome’s goals and strategies. Develop and grow internal and external business relationships to maximize success. Continuously prospect for new Grocery business and works closely with the Project Management to on board new business.

2. Work closely with internal stakeholders to create and manage effective strategy and business plans. Develop and uphold successful business relationships with Kagome CI&I and all key functions within Kagome.

3. Possess a self-motivated and ongoing focus on education and training of company products, capabilities, procedures, and operations.

4. Manage customer relationships at all levels within each account and throughout the supply chain. Utilize pre-call protocol and provide detailed follow-up to all sales calls. Generate profitable business by developing company and customer strategies that address goals, objectives, and culture. Conduct effective sales calls and sales presentations. Manage appropriate product and marketing initiatives. Organize and execute customer and industry trade shows.

5. Promptly respond to requests and concerns of customers, management, and stakeholders. Assist accounts payable and receivable departments. Respond to internal and customer projects/requests in a timely and organized fashion.

6. Reports including monthly progress updates, prospecting activity, account prioritization and pipeline updates. Comprehensive Salesforce Tool utilization. Project management includes justifying and implementing product development and costing initiatives.

7. Provide prompt and concise responses to internal and external stakeholders regarding any Quality issues. Coordinate with the company Quality team.

8. Ensure adherence to Kagome’s business processes and contract management policies, including proper documentation, approval workflows, and timely updates to pricing, terms, and customer agreements.

9. Meet KPIs agreed upon with CCO and CEO

POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Geography:

The ideal candidate will live in or have easy access to markets served.

Internal Contacts:

CCO, , Senior Director of Sales, Sales Team, R&D, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Leadership, Accounting/Administration Departments, HR.

External Contacts:

Customers & their R&D functions, Prospects & their R&D functions, Supply Chain, Quality, Industry Resources and Organizations.

Education Level and Focus:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business and/or Food Science with emphasis in Business or Marketing, Economics, Public Relations, or equivalent.

Years and Type of Related Experience Required:

5-10 years minimum of successful B2B, B2C and B2B2C sales experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Uphold Kagome’s Values:

Employee works well with others as a team and treats others with respect. Conducts self in a professional manner and exhibits the highest level of integrity. Maintains a positive attitude through good working relationships with our customers, visitors, and co-workers that emphasizes our commitment to good customer service.

Attendance:

Reliability and acceptable attendance are required. It is critical to be punctual and arrive on time for work and for meetings (if applicable).

Productivity:

Must consistently fulfill job responsibilities, knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. If authorized to work remotely, must maintain the same levels of productivity and communication as they would in the office.

Employee Retention:

Build a culture employees and/or co-workers want to be a part of. Be helpful to others and work as a team toward company goals. Participate in an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their roles by welcoming and assisting them. Build employee engagement, recognize, and reward employees, provide avenues for professional development, and manage to retain.

Interpersonal and Communication:

Strong verbal and written skills. Exhibits enthusiasm, self-motivation, and strong initiative, with ability to be a team player. Concise and timely communications both internally and externally. Able to integrate written and verbal skills into the sales process. Strong presentation skills. Effectively promotes Kagome within the Industry. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers and management team.

Technical and Analytical:

Ability to understand and analyze business. Ability to recommend and implement change

for improvement and growth. Able to quantitatively and qualitatively

qualify profitable business opportunities. Define and communicate market trends and competitive threats. Effectively utilize Salesforce and other systems of business management. Ability to prepare product and menu concepts for presentation to customers.

Administration and Operations:

Ability to respond to corporate directives with emphasis on company policy and direction.

Ability to plan work & travel to maximize results.

Physical Demands:

Travel 40% to 50% of the time by plane and car. Lifting, transporting, and working with supplies, products, and equipment

Work Environment:

This position primarily operates remotely from a home-based office environment. The employee is expected to maintain a professional, quiet workspace with reliable internet connectivity suitable for virtual meetings, daily communications, and administrative tasks.Periodic visits to production facilities will be required; employees must comply with all safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and participating in mandatory safety training.

Special Equipment Used:

Presentation aids for shows, sales meeting, and sales calls. Computer, printer, projectors, phone. Kitchen equipment.