Territory Sales Representative-Shreveport, LA

Utz Quality Foods is looking for a Territory Sales Representative to join our team in the Shreveport, LA / Alexandria, LA area. In this role, you'll work directly with independent distributors and retail partners to drive sales and expand our presence in the market. Reporting to the Zone Sales Manager, you'll be key in building relationships, executing sales strategies, and ensuring our products are available where they're needed most. If you're looking for an exciting opportunity to make an impact and grow with a leading brand, we want to hear from you!

The successful, entry-level candidate will possess the skills and characteristics to be successful in sales operations such as effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and a demonstrated ability to build proactive and professional relationships. This candidate should be energetic and eager to learn Independent Distribution models. While not required, this candidate may possess up to 1-3 years' experience in sales operations, preferably in the snack, grocery, or beverage industry. This position requires the ability to prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to meet the day's objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining proactive and professional relations with the Retail Trade and Independent Distributors; while acting as key liaison between Zone Sales Manager and Independent Distributor.
• Work to reinforce with retail store managers and store decision makers that Utz supports independent distributors and values their relations with the Company.
• Maintain regular retail chain contacts with frequent visits to support service levels - understanding that the independent distributors, not the company, sell product to the stores on their route.
• Offer information on industry performance and service measurements including new product sales, display execution opportunities, retail store feedback; all to be communicated through business persuasion and in a manner without exercising any direction or control over the independent distributor.
• Communicate company's focus to all Independent Distributors willing to accept such information - facilitate improvements in results of independent distributors by providing information so they can be fully informed of the Company's targets for sales, stale, service, merchandising standards, and product/mix distribution.
• From time-to-time, may be required to occasionally run an open route.
• Support the Zone Sales Manager at regularly scheduled workshop meetings intended to offer independent distributors the opportunity to voluntarily enhance their operational expertise. Encourage Independent Distributors to utilize all tools and mediums available to realize the full sales potential of their business.
• Provide full-day route ride-a-longs, only at the request of the Independent Distributor, offering route optimization and skill sharing opportunities.

Job Requirements

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English and Spanish is required.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to meet the day's objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of Independent Distribution models preferred.
• Capability to build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.
• Requires ethical selling and negotiation skills that can be shared with independent operators at their request.
• Proactive communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment
• Must have attention to detail, organization, and ability to prioritize.
• Functional knowledge and proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
• Ability to lift, push, transport, and pull product weighing up to and over 40lbs.
• Must be at least 19 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a DOT certification.
• Ability to legally and safely operate a motor vehicle.

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.
• Video Interview: Selected candidates will have an opportunity to participate in a video interview.
• 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.

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