DISTRICT SALES MANAGER

District Sales ManagerThe District Sales Manager is a critical managerial and administrative position that impacts Schmidt's sales, distribution and customer service. The District Sales Managers are responsible for managing territories comprised of stores and other product outlets and institutions. The management of those territories, which can vary by branch, generally involves: maximizing sales, interfacing with stores and other outlets, overseeing quality control, and ensuring Independent Operators' compliance with their distribution agreements. District Sales Managers are the face of Schmidt to the stores, institutional customers and Independent Operators. District Sales Managers are expected to use independent judgment and discretion to quickly and effectively solve customer, logistical and other managerial issues.Responsibilities include (without limitation):Manage a territory of sales routes that service various Schmidt accountsPlan and strategize how to effectively manage own schedule and address various competing concernsDevelop relationships and build rapport with stores and outlets within the assigned territoryRegularly visit market, and confer with accounts within the assigned sales territory - use all in-store occasions to improve satisfaction, quality control, and sales, display and other opportunitiesReview and analyze various data and assess trends that impact salesUse discretion and independent judgment to create plans to reduce returnsUse discretion and independent judgment to solve reported customer/outlet problemsConduct spot/return audits and competitor surveys and review and reduce "shrinkage" in scanner-based salesEnsure customer order accuracy and anticipate product supply needsPerform store resets and take advantage of opportunities presentedCommunicate and sell Schmidt promotions to Independent Operators and Schmidt accountsEnsure Independent Operators' compliance with the Distribution agreementsAssist Independent Operators in resolving problems, develop rapport, and help orientAssist Independent Operators with growing their businessWhen appropriate, recommends use of contractual remedies for breaches by Independent OperatorsIdentify and facilitate opportunities to obtain new accounts and outletsEnsure coverage for open routes and supply during weather emergenciesAddress safety concerns in the depotDirect Schmidt warehouse and clerical staff, as neededSubstitute for drivers in emergency situation where company must assume the route due to incapacity and lack of route reliever or substitutePerform Branch management functions delegated by Branch Manager and other branch-specific dutiesQualificationsEducation: Some college preferredMinimum work experience required: 3 years of sales experienceDemonstrated experience in customer service is preferredManagement experience preferredKnowledge of the bread industry is preferred but not requiredConsiderable working knowledge of sales, distribution, and customer relationsHigh level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and build rapportStrong organization skills including attention to detail, establishing priorities and meeting deadlinesAbility to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to customers, Independent Operators and Schmidt upper level managementAbility to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare and utilize reportsAbility to verify data input and correct errorsAbility to use independent judgmentAbility to maintain a high level of confidentialityAbility to use computer, handheld and sales equipment, copy machine, calculator, order spreadsheets and distribution and inventory management softwareMust be able to be medically certified by the Department of Transportation to drive a truckAbility to work long hours during peak periodsEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.