Company Description

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We’re not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It’s in our DNA. We’ve turned a family recipe into the world’ largest meat snack business, that’s still proudly family owned and operated.

We’re a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

At Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground, to realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Join the team, make a difference, be part of something bigger.

Link Snacks, Ink (“Jack Link’s”) is the #1 Meat Snack brand in the U.S. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, Link Snacks is a family-owned and operated company that represents a heritage of quality, safety and innovation. The company is made up of passionate team members who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products. Sold in more than 40 countries, the Link Snacks’ family of companies owns a portfolio of brands that includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, MATADOR®, BiFi®, and Peperami®.

Job Description

Join Jack Link's as a Sr. Customer Development Manager to grow and develop total Jack Link’s sales and profitability with key strategic partners, specifically, Bass Pro/Cabela’s. This is a highly visible, strategic position that both establishes and maintains multiple levels of relationships within each key customer to identify needs and opportunities and also to provide selling solutions. In this position, you will also work closely with internal departments such as trade planning, marketing, and category management.

The ideal candidate will live in Springfield, MO, Texas, or Bentonville, AR with a strong preference for Springfield, MO.

Your focus will be to: 

• Build strong customer relationships
• Develop solid DSMP (Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, Pricing) plans that drive category growth
• Clearly understand customer strategy and align on annual business plans that meet growth expectations

Specifically you will: 

• Achieve top & bottom line sales & profit goals
• Initially focus on Bass Pro/Cabela’s with a future opportunity with other channel customers
• Lead Joint Business Plans (JBP’s) across all segments (measured monthly, quarterly, and annually)
• Develop 1-3 year strategic customer plans by segment
• Provide transparent & timely communication to internal team members and our customers/brokers
• Develop plans for channel-specific business opportunities focused on expanding Jack Link’s in-store presence
• Analyze customer data and developing an action plan to achieve sales goals
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Trade Marketing, Research & Development) in creating both short & long-term category and channel strategies
• Effectively manage multiple parallel path projects and provide weekly updates to senior management
• Create and present information in a compelling and persuasive manner
• Effectively wire relationships throughout customer organizations and at various levels internally at Jack Link’s: Executive Management, Operations, Supply Planning, and Marketing
• Manage deduction and AR issues on all applicable accounts
• Build, train and lead broker network where applicable

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of CPG experience with an emphasis in retail accounts (Alternative/Retail)
• Experience directly with Bass Pro/Cabela’s, or a background with Sporting Goods/Hunting/Fishing retail is preferred
• 5+ years of Direct Sales Experience
• Branded and Private Label sales experience preferred

DESIRED BEHAVIORS:

• High sense of urgency
• Respectful candor with a direct approach
• Full ownership over all aspects of the customer relationship
• Proactive cross-functional engagement to build 360 degree plans

SKILLS:

• Strong communication & presentation skills
• Strong business acumen; specifically, with Trade Management and Demand Planning
• Ability to influence
• Solid Excel skills which will drive efficiency
• Ability to keep-up in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Developing and executing multi-year strategic plans

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 40% - 50% travel depending on business needs and base location

Additional Information

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.