Regional Sales Manager, Foodservice - Welch's
Chicago, IL
About the Job
Grow with Welch's!
Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!
At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Regional Sales Manager for our Foodservice Division to report to the Director of Foodservice and Alternative Channels. This role leads the sales execution of Welch's portfolio with strategic Foodservice and Vending distributors (Sysco, USF, PFG, Vistar, and regional distributors) and drives purchase pull from key operators. You will collaborate with broker partners to implement customer strategies and market plans in your designated region.
This position covers the Mid-Central territory, including states such as ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, IL, IN, MI, and WI, aligned with broker market coverage.
Where You'll Work:
This is a remote position requiring 50-60% travel to customers within the Mid-Central Territory. Candidates must reside in one of the states within this territory to be considered.
What You'll Do:
- Assist in creating and executing the strategic business plan for Foodservice and Vending channelthrough the annual business cycle to maximize business plan sales and profit within brand strategies and guidelines
- Conduct market analysis to determine customer needs, quantify business opportunities, and propose executional strategies for sales accounts within a designated region
- Build and maintain strong relationships with operators, distributors, and brokers, ensuring effective communication
- Effectively plan and communicate with broker sales partners to penetrate operator targets and gain distribution that drives profitable growth for Welch's and our customers.
- Lead and collaborate with broker sales partners to drive market initiatives that translate into actionable plans to deliver long term growth
- Deliver sales presentations to key operators & distributors, often in coordination with Broker Sales Agency
- Provide product training to our broker sales partners, operators, and distributor targets
- Achieve volume targets on existing and new business. Regularly update and communicate progress to Director and headquarter sales team.
- Represent Welch's at key regional trade show and customer events to grow brand equity and develop new customer relationships
- Identify large operators/customers within assigned regions to target and develop long-term relationships that contributes to overall growth strategies and new business
Who You Are:
- Excellent knowledge of the food service and vending industry and an understanding of how to leverage Food Service Contracts to enhance positioning with customers
- Proven success in developing and maintaining customer/broker relationships
- Must be able to build, establish and maintain strong internal and external working relationships (External - Strategic customers, operators, distributors; Internal - Broker Sales Agency, Foodservice Sales Team, Sales Planning, and Marketing.)
- Solution Selling mindset with the ability to build relationships and partner with your customers
- Demonstrated excellence in communication, time management and organizational skills
- Demonstrates good judgement that leads to smart decisions and recommendations that positively impact the current and future state of the business
- Operates with a growth mindset, embracing challenges, anticipating obstacles, and growing your skills through persistence
- Continuously challenges the status quo and seeks ways to improve and develop
What You'll Need:
- BA/BS degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive foodservice and/or vending sales experience, to include account management and broker management
- Experience managing and collaborating with Broker Sales Agencies
- Experience in creating operator purchases to drive local distributor slots and headquarter relationships with broadline distributors working in collaboration with internal sales teams and broker sales partners
- Entrepreneurial attitude with a strong drive to exceed expectations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and applications. (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
At Welch's we value diversity, a passion for what you do, and a commitment to continuous learning. Even if you do not feel you meet every requirement listed, but this role aligns with your strengths and goals we encourage you to apply. Join us and contribute to something extraordinary.
Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity in hiring and building a dynamic, strong workforce. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.
What You'll Enjoy:
- Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
- Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
- Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
- Hybrid work model: Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well-being & success
- Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
- Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
- Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
- Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
- 401K plan with Generous Company Match
- Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts
- Life and accident insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
- Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 12 months of employment
Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.
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