Area Field Sales Manager

**Location**: Greater Toronto Area East
We are looking for an enthusiastic and keen individual to fill the role of Area Field Sales Manager.
Reporting to the Field Sales Manager, the Area Field Sales Manager will effectively represent Lindt & Sprüngli to the Retail Trade in a professional manner that promotes the aggressive growth and development of Lindt, Russell Stover, Ghirardelli and Ricola products within the mandate of the Lindt & Sprüngli sales and marketing plans.

**Key Responsibilities Include**:
Sales Force Management
- Develop a mutually profitable relationship between Lindt & Sprüngli and the General Trade
- Influence growth in the category through a focused decision making process
- Improve efficiencies at store level
- Respond and manage ongoing customer service issues
- Provide candid feedback and recommendations on Sales Deployment issues in order to maximize effectiveness and efficiency

Sales Force Deployment
- Develop a Sales Force deployment Sales and Merchandising strategy on a Regional basis ensuring that it is on strategy/supportive of Lindt & Sprüngli sales and marketing plans
- Provide direction to Lindt & Sprüngli Merchandiser/Rovers and Territory Managers to effectively execute the Business Plans at retail
- Promote Marketing initiatives (new products, P.O.S., category reviews, etc.) to fully maximize the accounts potential
- Dedicate and develop a Sales and Merchandising strategy to secure the distribution
- Assure product replenishment with all Key Accounts
- Present and promote current market data as they relate to Lindt, Russell Stover, Ghirardelli and Ricola products - educate Territory Managers/ Merchandisers / Rovers & Accounts
- Develop and maintain superior account relationships
- Develop and assist the development of call plans with the sales force to ensure all initiatives are completed

Retail Calls
- Make effective sales presentations to key store contact(s) and ensure order processing for booking entry or detail/direct order processes
- Will be responsible to achieve merchandising / sales objective through direct responsibility of Key Retailer in the region
- Sell or promote sufficient quantities of Lindt, Russell Stover, Ghirardelli or Ricola to support consumer purchase intentions in each retail location
- Negotiate or review, within the policies and procedures of the company and key account head office:

- Display and deal allowances, Retail support programs, Retail Pricing objectives, In-Line (plan-o-gram) and off-shelf positioning for current listings, New Listings
- Present and promote current market data as they relate to Lindt, Russell Stover, Ghirardelli and Ricola products
- Encourage and promote store compliance to head office approved programs such as retail promotions, plan-o-grams, pricing strategies, display strategies, etc.
- Pro-actively manage market hygiene, pricing, and shelf and display positioning
- Provide communication and feedback to merchandisers as required in order to maximize the effectiveness of merchandising activity in designated retail stores
- Develop and maintain superior account relationships

**Managerial Responsibilities**:

- Establish/Develop/Train Territory Managers/Merchandising/Rover staff that has ability to fully optimize the skill set of the Sales Force to execute flawlessly store level Key Initiatives
- Provide leadership, motivation and guidance to direct report(s)

**Qualifications**:

- A university degree in business related courses
- 2-3+ years’ experience in the Packaged Goods industry with experience in managing a Sales team
- Strong leadership skills (performance management, coaching an asset, initiative in projects)
- Experience in development and execution of training programs for Merchandiser/Territory Managers
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written (strong presentation skills required)
- An appreciation of the E.C.R. process & an understanding of Category Management
- Experience with Sales Forecasting (volume & POP)
- Budget Management experience
- Strong organizational skills
- Computer Proficiency, Literate in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Flexible, able to manage multiple projects/initiatives
- A self-starter with an ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Entrepreneurial flair an asset
- Experience with Companion Rep an asset

Lindt & Sprüngli is recognized as a leader in the market for premium quality chocolate, offering a large selection of products in more than 120 countries around the world. During more than 170 years of Lindt & Sprüngli's existence, it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate, with 12 production sites in Europe and the USA, and distribution and sales companies on four continents.

Lindt is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Please contact our Human Resources department for more information. #SALES #LI-LINDTCA