Area Sales Manager - AZ - Groundwork Coffee

ABOUT US:

Groundwork Coffee specializes in batch-roasted, certified organic coffees and artisanal teas. From our humble roots as a rare book store and cafe back in 1990, Groundwork would go on to become one of the first certified organic coffee roasters in Southern California, as well as the largest organic coffee roaster in Los Angeles. A truly local pioneer in fair trade and fairly traded coffee and tea sourcing, we remain committed to sustainable business practices, including maintaining direct relationships with growers and importers who promote responsible coffee and tea production. From the ground up, Groundwork is steadfast in its commitment to the values of quality, sustainability and community.

ABOUT YOU:

The Area Sales Manager at Groundwork Coffee is responsible for the development and implementation of growth strategies and expansion in their assigned region and the acceleration of Groundwork Coffee presence in the Foodservice, OCS, and Hospitality spaces. As the voice of the customer and marketplace, and in strong partnership with executive leadership and Marketing, the position plays a pivotal role in diversifying Groundwork Coffee market visibility through wholesale segments and channels. The position assumes overall responsibility for the success of key regional accounts by working with third party equipment service partners, distributors, and the Groundwork Roastery to quickly resolve customer issues. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Develop and manage new wholesale relationships in the assigned territory
• Create sales forecasts
• Manage and approve daily purchase orders as needed
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of leads and prospects 
• Lead potential new customers through coffee tastings
• Oversee, personally conduct, and manage training for all customers within the region
• Regularly communicate with Operations and Customer Service departments in order to deliver excellent customer service
• Input hours and approve expenses 
• Drive the development of a detailed sales plan that is in alignment with the company's overall sales goals
• Develop tools and strategies with the Senior Sales Manager, and Director of Marketing in order to meet sales goals
• Utilize analytics, team member and customer experiences to identify key areas of improvement in the sales process
• Vigilantly safeguard the brand integrity and product quality within wholesale accounts
• Identify accounts with declining sales, the reason and formulate solutions to remedy such issues
• Expand and optimize a profitable third-party distributor  network
• Actively manage strategic accounts in the region
• Serve as point of contact for the sales team to other departments and Senior Sales Manager 
• Manage sales operations and ensure sustained growth by leading others to achieve success while creating and maintaining a highly active pipeline
• Meet or exceed quarterly sales objectives; identify and address areas for improvement in  sales processes
• Create market segmentation and channel management strategy, resulting in increased brand awareness and new customer acquisition
• Build and maintain close, trusting relationships with accounts, team members and facilitate open communication
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with our customers
• Be knowledgeable in all aspects of our sales and customer service policies, objectives, and initiatives
• Improve customer service experience by taking ownership of customers' issues and following problems through to resolution
• Assist in building and maintaining a positive, energetic culture
• Cultivate an environment of excellence based on outstanding execution Groundwork ambassador responsibilities 
• Ensure inbound leads receive professional responses in a timely manner
• Collaborate with Coffee, Marketing, Finance, and Ops to continuously update offerings and industry products in the interest of advancing customer experience
• Partner with Marketing team to ensure that prospective and current customers receive applicable sales collateral and materials they need to represent Groundwork 
• Conduct HQ roastery tours and host product tastings
• Consult prospects on all logistical needs in order to best support customers and showcase Groundwork products
• Assist with grocery and marketing events as directed

WHAT IT TAKES TO ROCK THIS ROLE:

• Proven experience as sales manager or equivalent position 
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities 
• Outstanding communication and people skills 
• Knowledge of industry's legal rules and guidelines 
• In depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g., supply chain, finance, customer service etc.) 
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics 
• Familiarity with MS Office and various business software (e.g., ERP, CRM) BSc/BA in business administration or relevant field; MSc/MA will be a plus

SALARY: Up to $65,000k + Depending On Experience (DOE)

WHY GROUNDWORK:

We strive to be the best place our employees have ever worked, and to produce the best coffee our customers have ever sipped. As a part of our team, you'll be working with people who are down-to-earth, friendly, and passionate in a casual, caffeinated, and fun office environment.

GROUNDWORK PERKS:

*Benefits are offered to eligible employees and are subject to change.

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
  
• Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave (5 Days, Accrued)
• 2 Weeks Paid Vacation (Accrued)
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Free Coffee
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on Food, Beverage, & Merchandise
  

• WORK HOURS AND WORK LOCATION:
• This is a full-time, remote position 
• You will need to be local to the NV/AZ Region
• The workday begins at 9:00am