Market Development Leader III

Market Development Leader III

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a Market Development Leader III (MDL III) to join our team in Riverside, CA. You will play a key role in driving profitable growth, expanding market presence, and strengthening partnerships with Independent Operators (IOs). In this highly visible role, you will collaborate with sales leaders, customers, and cross-functional teams to support execution, improve service, and unlock growth opportunities across your market. You will help bring company initiatives to life through strong communication, strategic planning, and hands-on field engagement while respecting the independent business relationship that exists with IOs.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a trusted field leader and key partner to the Sales Operations Director, stepping in as needed to support market performance and team continuity.
• Build strong, professional relationships with Independent Operators by communicating sales, service, and merchandising priorities that help grow market share.
• Translate data into action by preparing weekly volume and inventory reports, KPI scorecards, and work-with plans that support smart decision-making.
• Partner closely with customers, Key Account Executives, and operations leaders to support promotions, execute account plans, and drive long-term growth.
• Lead operator engagement through business reviews, meetings, and field conversations that strengthen collaboration and improve execution.
• Spend meaningful time in the field each week working alongside IOs, listening to concerns, identifying opportunities, and helping improve results.
• Drive in-store success by supporting promotional execution, resets, seasonal planning, additional displays, and new product introductions.
• Use store and service insights to address underperformance, resolve voids quickly, and ensure customers receive outstanding support.
• Support operator training and development by sharing safety materials, best practices, and route optimization guidance when requested.
• Act as a liaison between IOs and the company to help resolve issues, support business operations, and maintain strong working partnerships.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, workplace safety, and company policies while contributing to a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the overall success of the business.
• Salary range: $80,000-$90,000 per year plus bonus

What You Bring

Education

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree in business or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of sales operations experience, preferably within the snack, grocery, or beverage industry. Direct Store Delivery (DSD) experience is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence, solve problems, and make sound business decisions.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid driver's license required; must possess or be able to obtain a DOT medical card.

External Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.