Manager (Sr./Asst.) - Asia Market West

Job Description

Job Title: Manager (Sr./Asst.) - Asia Market West
Reports to: James Kosuge
Division: Asia Dept.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: CA

1. General Position Summary

Responsible for working with our Asia sales team and our customers to expand sales of our products through distributor and end-customer partnerships. Will contribute to developing strategies for Asian foodservice customers and Asian grocery markets. May conduct product training sessions with key accounts and distributors. Work with the Asia team on marketing activities with customers in support of the overall company growth strategy.

2. Essential Job Functions

Primary Job Functions

• Develop and execute sales and marketing programs that deliver annual sales and profitability goals in the Asia Dept.
• Work with the SVP and other regional sales teams on the execution of ITO EN branded product initiatives.
• Work with the SVP of Asia Markets in the development of new products, pricing strategies, and marketing activities.
• Identify opportunities and implement plans for line extensions and new product development, working closely with Production teams.
• Analyze consumer trends and research data.
• Solicit and sell ITO EN products to Asia Market, technology, and Asian grocery accounts in the assigned territory.
• Sell displays and new products while maximizing product placement within accounts.
• Find new opportunities to grow the Asia territory and remain the vendor of choice with our customers.
• Organize, rotate, and stock shelves during store visits as a platform for providing excellent customer service.
• Maintain appropriate product levels in beverage sets, both dry shelf and cold box, as well as tea sets such as leaf tea, matcha, and tea bags.
• Meet customer service expectations through daily communication, problem resolution, and prompt follow-up.
• Participate in ride-alongs with Asian distributors to strengthen relationships, open new accounts, and sell new items.
• Place POS materials and coupons to maximize visibility and exposure for our products.
• Provide store reset support, schematic enforcement (if applicable), and excellent service to ensure new products and customers are successful.

Contributes to Marketing Effectiveness

• Ensure that strategic marketing and retail support plans are implemented.
• Place and maintain point-of-sale materials and advertisements in appropriate accounts.
• Assist with trade shows and special events as requested.

Sales Operations

• Assist supervisors with distributor and retail relationships and execution in the region.
• Keep up with required reporting responsibilities.
• Achieve established monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets.

Participates in Meetings

• Attend necessary meetings, such as mid-year/end-of-year meetings in TX, weekly National/Asian huddles, etc.

3. Essential Job Requirements

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs. with ease and dexterity.
• Ability to work in store/warehouse conditions, setting up displays and merchandising shelves. May require frequent lifting, bending, and squatting.

Working Conditions

• Work with management to allocate time and resources efficiently.
• Maintain a professional ITO EN image as a representative to our customers and community.
• Maintain company vehicle.
• Be punctual.

4. Experience / Minimum Qualifications Needed

Language Skills

• Fluency in Chinese and English; additional language skills in Korean or Japanese are a plus.

Mathematical Skills

• Utilize applicable pricing and economic models with the ability to calculate and consider margins, costs, and other financial factors to make sound pricing and promotional decisions.

Reasoning Abilities

• Work with management to determine whether a deal/program is beneficial or negative, considering all factors, including cost, benefit, relationship, and long-term vs. short-term impact.
• Time management: Balance all responsibilities and know where your time is best spent to create the most value for your customers and ITO EN.

Other Required Skills

• Demonstrate a spirit of teamwork and express individual viewpoints while also acknowledging and learning from others.
• Develop and maintain professional and technical knowledge of ITO EN’s business and products.
• Minimum of two years of grocery retail sales experience with a proven track record of meeting sales objectives.
• Strong management and organizational skills.
• Experience working with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver’s license, current vehicle liability insurance, and a driving record within MVR policy guidelines.

5. Education

• BS/MS degree in Business Administration or a related field.