National Retail Manager

On behalf of our client, a well known and respected European specialty condiments/beverage company, we are seeking a National Retail Manager experienced in retail and specialty food sales, as well as working with brokers. The position is based out of the Company's offices in Totowa, NJ.

Key Responsibilities:

• Decipher the key triggers of growth; identifies business opportunities demonstrating financial awareness influence (cost control)
• Develop a business plan including clear objectives & measures in regards to pricing, investments and channel strategy
• Oversee the execution of agreed brand marketing programs; investment is used effectively; activities are measured in terms of ROI & impact , being accountable for retail P&L; Ensure delivery of Volume and Profit in line with goals. Provide picture of revenue & spending versus targets
• Develop local insights on retail markets to feed into global initiatives and planning processes
• Manage Brokers: train, educated and lead all activities
• Continued assessment of optimal route to market strategy including evaluation of Company's Distributor Network and extra resources required to develop a growing and sustainable business
• Act as key liaison between distributor & US retail operations in regards to retail sales, logistics & customer service
• Foster team spirit and function internally as go to person on all retail issues; support junior hires proving guidelines, training and transferring market knowhow
• Secure sufficient focus with Distributor Portfolio and ensure proper brand perception on the market
• Initiate & lead all negotiations with Distributors & Clients. Attend meetings and support in product selection & presentation
• Support implementation of all retail marketing strategies for brand positioning (per segment and product); manage all web, social media and PR activities (influencers, media buying)
• Oversees new product launch working with commercial & marketing teams; provide input on co-branding initiatives
• Manage monthly sales forecast & budget vs. Inventory
• Collaborate with Board on development of strategies & guidelines
• Manage regular reporting requirements: quarterly business reviews, budget planning, business performance highlights, research/ analysis etc.
• Keep up to date information on local and regional laws and procedures regarding contracts, policies etc.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail sales, preferably in the specialty food industry
• Proven track record of success in selling specialty food products in the retail space
• Experience managing and coordinating sales activities with brokers
• Strong understanding of the retail and specialty food market landscape
• Ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive growth and meet targets
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in analyzing sales data and market trends to identify opportunities
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and brokers
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with clients and attend industry events up to 60%
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• This is an 100% in office position, when not travelling for work