Regional Sales Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Lead, mentor, and develop a Customer Development team.

• Guide the team to achieve business objectives for the designated region across Independent Operators, Chains, and Trade Partners.

• Implement the UFS Annual Operating Plan and quarterly initiatives.

• Train and direct the team to enhance outreach to Regional Restaurant Chains.

• Manage accounts for Small Regional Chains and identify sales opportunities.

• Foster relationships with key tier 2 and 3 distributors to advocate for Unilever Food Solutions products.

• Promote team dedication to lead management as a central driver of business growth.

• Advance business in both commercial and non-commercial field channels.

• Collaborate with restaurant executives and chefs to develop and expand their business.

• Work alongside Distributor Partners through training, collaboration with sales teams, and marketing initiatives.

• Secure customers across all channels with the appropriate level of trade and resources.

• Implement a Contact Matrix for key Trade customers using a Squad approach where feasible.

• Formulate and execute Joint Business Plans with selected Trade partners, encompassing trade terms, sell-out activities, DSRs, team engagement, and KPIs.

• Align with trade customers for Secondary Sales Data partnerships and showcase added value.

• Build and maintain relationships with key Chain Customers and Independent Operators.

• Drive customer engagement in accordance with the defined contact strategy utilizing CRM and data-driven recommendations.

• Conduct virtual sampling, ideation, and cooking demonstrations to secure opportunities or boost product usage.

• Implement and execute Customer Business Plans with selected key Chain customers.

• Deploy and execute UFS digital tools within the designated territory/area.

• Enhance UFS customer data for personalized campaigns.

• Follow up on Marketo-scored leads to ensure engagement and KPI achievement.

• Propel customer engagement with UFS digital platforms and campaigns, including UFS.com, UFS Academy, social media, and webinars.

• Encourage digital buying behavior through e-commerce platforms.

• Lead the category strategy for the Trade Webshop through joint campaigns with digital transformation marketing and trade teams.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 6 years of experience in the foodservice industry with a proven sales track record, preferably in the Foodservice sector.

• Knowledge or experience in utilizing Digital & Social media for sales purposes.

• A passion for Food and the Out-Of-Home (OOH) industry is a plus.

• Familiarity with the needs of Trade Customers.

• Proficient in Strategic Selling skills.

• Strong Virtual Customer Engagement abilities.

• Comprehensive understanding of all Customers & UFS Product solutions.

• Business Insights leading to Activation Solution Selling.

• Acquainted with the UFS CD Cycle.

• Experience in Customer Business Planning & Win & Retail.

• Chefman-ship knowledge.

• Strong Commercial Skills.

• Effective Negotiation Skills.

• Digital & IT skills including eCom, Salesforce, and Marketo.

• Data & Analytical Skills — ability to leverage data-driven insights for execution.

• Employment is contingent upon successful verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background checks, credit checks, and DMV checks.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligible for bonuses.

• Eligible for Long-Term Incentives (LTI).

• Comprehensive health insurance, covering prescription drugs, dental, and vision.

• Retirement savings options.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Disability benefits.

• Parental leave policy.

• Sick leave provisions.

• Paid vacation and holiday time.

• Access to a variety of voluntary benefits.

• An inclusion-focused workplace with support for employee growth and development.