About the job
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Pirq was founded by Minal Bhakta, inspired by her mom’s love of turmeric and its amazing health benefits. Growing up, turmeric was a big part of her family’s morning routine. Her mom’s turmeric shots were famous, but they definitely did not taste great! This inspired Minal to create Pirq: clean, delicious, and nutritious products that everyone can enjoy.
From smooth, creamy, and indulgent plant-based protein shakes, to juicy, refreshing hydration mixes, every sip is packed with wellness benefits and flavor, to support you and pirq up your taste buds.
THE ROLE
Our Area Sales Manager of the Chicago metro area will represent us in and around the surrounding cities of Chicago. This position focuses on making an impact in the field, with our current National, Regional and Independent retailers.
In this role you’ll have to prioritize your time to focus on the highest impact areas, while working with our broadline distribution partners and third-party sales resources in the region to deliver on growth at the highest level. You’ll be opening new doors, but you’ll also be building on high velocities we are already seeing in the market. If you’re looking for a fast-paced environment, an opportunity for personal growth and responsibility, and enjoy having fun along the way, then this is a role you’ll thrive in!
FIELD BASED
Role requires presence in assigned markets:
- Chicago, IL Metropolitan Area
- This is a field-based role – 95% of time in field
- Must possess and maintain a valid US Driver’s License with clean driving record
- Must possess and be willing to use personal vehicle to travel to and from accounts
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Build the Brand
- Conduct weekly visits to a high volume of accounts and pinpoint opportunities for underperforming accounts and routes. Deliver on monthly/quarterly KPI’s and achieve overall objectives in the market.
- Drive sales execution, expanding SKU distribution, shelf space, displays, and promotional activity
- Manage partnerships with retailers, brokers, and 3rd party merchandising support in the Los Angeles market.
- Explore and evaluate new business opportunities for the brand within the independent retailer space.
- Manage chain retailers: new item launches and retail programs.
- Gain additional placement within accounts, including secondary points of purchase and cooler placement.
- Collaborate with field-marketing teams to create comprehensive marketing plans to profitably increase market share.
- Assist stores in packing out and merchandising which will require lifting multiple cases of product.
- Assist our Director/Regional Sales Manager by providing well-documented reports through retail execution/field management tools.
- Support regional sales initiatives as directed by Director of Field Sales or Regional Sales Manager
- Participate in weekly sales calls to review performance and outline goals
- Accurately and expertly utilize CRM applications to chronicle daily activities and display execution
Relationship Building with Retailers
- Build and promote positive rapport with key contacts in stores to secure incremental display space
- Service assigned account base with consistency and purposeful follow-up (approx. 8-12 stops/day in assigned territories)
- Develop and schedule weekly account visits based on specific business needs
- Understand customer needs - identify how you, as the primary point of contact, can partner with the customer and enact a plan to drive sales growth for the store and Pirq
- Understand the importance of building trust and credibility with accounts
REQUIREMENTS
- Proven track record with 2 to 3 years of experience in consumer goods sales, preferably in beverage, distributor sales, or related industries
- Strong preference for candidates with direct experience in Conventional, Natural Retail channel, and the independent channel
- Strong business acumen with an entrepreneurial mindset
- Comfortable with daily face-to-face customer interaction
- Familiarity with CRM tools and field sales reporting systems
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
- Obsession for understanding customer behavior. Lives, breathes and dreams about how to better reach and understand our consumers.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be located in the primary locations of assigned territory (Chicago metro area).
- Must be able to lift 40lbs continuously throughout the day, to build Pirq displays of 30 cases or more
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
- Competence in Google Suite and Microsoft Suite. Experience with team collaboration tools such as Slack and Zoom preferred.
- Travel requirements at 95%.
- Must possess and maintain a valid US Driver’s License with clean driving record
- Must possess and be willing to use personal vehicle to travel to and from accounts
- Occasional travel required to assist with other markets/retailers, potentially 1-2 times a quarter.
- Willingness to work beyond standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight, as needed to meet business demands.
COMPENSATION
- $70,000-$80,000 base salary + bonus.
- Monthly car allowance
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
- The actual base salary will vary based on factors such as market conditions, minimum wage requirements, and individual qualifications assessed during the interview process. The salary range provided is a guideline and may be adjusted accordingly.
REPORTS TO
- Director of Field Sales
- Regional Sales Manager
HOW WE WORK
At Pirq, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. We strive to cultivate a culture of belonging that embraces people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and thrive.
Pirq is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment decisions based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
