Within a framework of a business partnership, (i.e., Distributor and Company) the Branch Sales Manager monitors and assists in the daily route sales operations of a branch of plant market, in a manner that results in maximum profitable sales, controlled stales, low turnover, superior customer relations, brand growth, proper accounts receivable record, proper distribution, positive relations with employees and independent distributors, and compliance with company policies/procedures and the distributor’s agreement. Requires constant interaction with work group and other departments at the primary work location.
Essential Functions: Train, assist, and guide company sales employees and Independent Distributors in the proper distribution of Flowers and Tastykake Products. Assist in the preparation of strategies to realize the benefits of these profit-producing opportunities. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and keep Director of Sales informed of competitor activities in the branch, including personnel, pricing, products, promotions, space, position etc. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market share by product, product group, individual customer, overall branch and customer group. Utilizing branch computer reports, know the number of units sold, dollar sales, profit margin, and stale by territory, product group and label. Plan and maintain a schedule of key account visits to build rapport. Explain sales history and sell our ideas to build store profits through improved utilization of Products and Services. Identification of branch non-stops and relentless, professional pursuit of this new business. Ensure daily contact with all Sales Representatives; maintain contact with all sales personnel and distributors at least twice weekly; and contact with Bakery Store Management as necessary in order to communicate sales-related goals, keep communication lines open, build rapport and teamwork. Plan, schedule and communicate vacations, training, route coverage, promotions, grand openings, store resets, etc. in a manner that results in proper and professional coverage of the market. Ensure Sales Representatives and Distributors have the tools necessary to do their jobs to Flowers, Tastykake or industry standards. Manage warehouse operations in accordance with Company policies and procedures. Ensure employee compliance with work rules. Makes recommendations on disciplinary action and otherwise participates in the disciplinary action process as necessary. Complies with all Company policies and procedures (EEO, Harassment, Safety, Sarbanes Oxley,etc.). Must be able to operate assigned company vehicle in a manner consistent with DOT and state driving requirements. Ability to meet FDA and CDC guidelines of public safety for work in a food production environment.
Non-Essential Functions: Performance of other duties which are deemed by management to be an integral part of the job, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies and procedures.
Technical Skills: Ability to operate programmable handheld and office computer, as applicable.
Analytical Skills: In conjunction with the Director of Sales and the Distribution Systems Coordinator, perform an on-going analysis of the market to identify opportunities to improve space, position, brand sales, display strategies, personnel strategies and other profitable actions. Ability to research, ascertain, reason, develop, implement and monitor required policies and procedures.
Communication Skills:Communicate with, guide and direct each sales team member (Company and Distributor) in their efforts to attain/maintain positive customer relations, sales and stales goals, and compliance with company policies/procedures and the Distributor’s agreement. Communicate and ensure proper execution of plans to capitalize on these opportunities/fix problems.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching motion in stocking product. Ability to enter and exit a step van. Ability to lift, pull, or push items weighing 50+ lbs frequently, and occasionally up to 100+ lbs.
Education & Experience: Have/maintain valid state Driver's License, a documented safedriving record, and current DOT certification. Three (3) or more years of bakery route sales/distributor experience. Four (4) year College Degree in Business preferred.