Sales Manager, Natural / Specialty Independent Channel

Job Description:

Have you heard of Mycelium?

It’s the root structure of mushrooms, growing juuuuust beneath the forest floor. 

We believe mycelium is the forests’ best-kept secret. With a naturally savory umami flavor and a wonderfully meaty texture, mycelium is a delicious, naturally sustainable option for people seeking a meat alternative. At MyForest Foods, we grow this gourmet mushroom mycelium inside our vertical farm in big, WHOLE pieces that can be sliced up just like traditional cuts of meat. Our first product, MyBacon is winning the hearts of vegans and carnivores alike—and we're just getting started! 

Intrigued? If you’re a motivated, inspired, passionate foodie with a drive to revolutionize the future of food, we should definitely talk.

The Sales Manager will lead the sales and account management efforts within the complex Natural/Specialty Independent retail channel. You will work primarily with independent stores, small chains, distributors, and our broker partner. This position will grow revenue by driving distribution in new accounts, increasing rate of sale in existing accounts, and reclaiming lost distribution within the channel. It is an independent yet highly collaborative role requiring coordination with multiple cross-functional resources. This role will represent the brand at trade shows, conduct store audits for shelf placement, pricing and promotional activities, and category/competitive intelligence. The ideal candidate will be competitive in spirit, aggressive in tackling challenges, and able to thrive in a high-performing work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly manage building and maintaining distribution of MyForest Foods to qualified retail accounts within the Natural/Specialty Independent channel.
• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to ensure placement in the right category, competitive pricing, and effective and profitable programming execution to achieve sales goals within budget.
• Cultivate, manage and sustain impactful relationships within the channel, including retail owners and buyers, brokers, distributors, and potential brand partners.
• Utilize CRM to build and maintain database of all accounts within the channel.
• Identify and leverage opportunities to increase brand visibility and sales velocities within the channel.
• Develop channel expertise, including a comprehensive point of view of the business, and represent to the broader organization.
• Track and analyze key sales metrics to evaluate performance, customer trends and ROI.
• Partner with marketing, operations and supply chain to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies and programs.
• Advocate for customer needs internally to drive service excellence and innovation.
• Attend trade shows as needed.
• Conduct field visits and store audits whenever possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree preferred
• 4+ years of experience in a sales role within a CPG company, preferably in the grocery retail industry
• Strong work ethic with the ability to build trust and overcome objections
• The ability to succeed in a fast-paced and competitive work environment
• Impeccable written and oral communication skills, listening skills, presentation skills, and customer service.
• High level of competency in MS Excel and PowerPoint.
• Robust faculty in streamlining and building process to optimize efficiencies
• Independent AND highly collaborative, with proven success working cross-functionally.
• Must have reliable transportation to conduct field visits
• Knowledge of UNFI and KeHE Distributors

WORK LOCATON: Remote work from home EST hours

SALARY RANGE: The pay will be based on the candidates' skills and experience.  The range is $90,000 - $120,000 annually.

MyForest Foods is an equal opportunity employer.  

If you’re inspired by the potential of mycelium and the promise of a well-fed future, join us! Our team is always seeking passionate problem-solvers and forward-thinking foodies.

As a part of this bold and quirky band of fun-loving world-changers, you can expect...

• A diverse and welcoming work environment
• A fresh company culture (full of opportunities for involvement!)
• Team-bonding retreats & community-based events
• Immediate benefits (medical, dental, 401k, Employee Assistance Program, PTO starts on day 1!)
• Multiple voluntary benefit options: vision, life, disability, pet insurance, legal support
• Paid time off:  vacation, sick, personal, holidays, anniversary vacation, volunteer