Sr. Sales Rep, DSD

Job Summary:

The Senior Sales Rep, DSD responsible for managing and growing the sales and distribution of food and beverage products in a designated territory. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with retail customers, ensuring product availability, increasing product visibility, and achieving sales goals through effective DSD operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food and beverage sales, excellent customer service skills, and a deep understanding of the DSD business model. Territory covers RI and parts of southern MA and all if Eastern CT.  Ideal candidate should reside in RI or Eastern MA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales & Business Development:

• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve or exceed revenue targets within an assigned region or territory.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail customers, including grocery chains, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other points of sale.
• Identify new business opportunities, grow existing accounts, and expand product placements in stores.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to identify potential threats and opportunities.

Direct Store Delivery (DSD)

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of products to customers' stores, maintaining stock levels, product rotation, and ensuring freshness for food and beverage items.
• Oversee inventory management in stores and manage the execution of stock orders, product merchandising, and shelf maintenance.
• Coordinate with logistics to ensure optimal delivery routes and schedules are adhered to.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries, addressing complaints, and resolving any issues related to product deliveries, shelf placements, or customer needs.
• Train and support retail staff on product knowledge, promotions, and marketing strategies.
• Execute promotional campaigns and marketing initiatives at the store level to increase brand visibility and sales.

Market Analysis & Sales Reporting:

• Track and report sales performance, product movement, and other key metrics to management regularly.
• Provide accurate and up-to-date sales forecasts to meet business objectives.
• Analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and areas of growth.

Collaboration & Cross-functional Support:

• Work closely with the marketing team to execute in-store promotions and support product launches.
• Collaborate with other departments, including logistics, to resolve any operational issues and ensure seamless execution of the DSD process.
• Participate in sales meetings, provide feedback on market conditions, and share insights from the field with leadership.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS Degree in business or a related field, preferred.
• 5 years of sales experience or retail experience with a consumer package goods manufacturer, major food broker, or retail services company desirable but not required.
• Proven track record of sales growth, customer relationship management, and territory development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with CRM and merchandising software. (e. Nielsen, IRI etc.)

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrates strong business, product, and market understanding to align sales strategies with company goals and make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Effectively utilizes sales tools and CRM systems, delivers clear product presentations, and applies negotiation skills to close deals and build strong customer relationships.
• Develops trust-based connections with customers and stakeholders through effective communication, active listening, and approachability.
• Consistently meets sales targets by demonstrating a winning mindset, persistence, and a strong drive for results.
• Thrives in dynamic environments by showing flexibility, handling ambiguity, and bouncing back from setbacks with a positive attitude.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities, manages time effectively, and works independently with minimal supervision.
• Shares knowledge openly, supports team goals, and maintains professionalism in managing conflicts.
• Delivers clear, tailored messages to internal teams and customers while using probing techniques to uncover needs.
• Maintains integrity in all interactions and fosters trust through honesty, humility, and emotional intelligence.
• Responds to customer issues promptly. Finds practical solutions.

Other:

• Ability to lift and carry products, boxes, and promotional materials as needed (up to 30-50 lbs).
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during store visits.
• Regular travel to assigned retail locations within the territory is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.