Business Development Manager (Northeast Region)
Kenny's Candy & Confections
Our Story
KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country.
Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.
At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company.
We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends.
We better the world by caring for others.
We challenge.
We grow.
We inspire.
”
Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little.
Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves.
That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do.
We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond.
We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.
We’re now adding a Business Development Manager for Kenny's Candy & Confections to assist us in expanding our reach and distribution in the Northeast Region of the United States for our two national brands (Wiley Wallaby licorice and Sweet Chaos popcorn)! The ideal candidate will be located in or near Boston MA, Philadelphia PA, or Newark, NJ.
If you love sales, developing relationships with brokers & customers, and have been looking for a place that inspires you, then keep reading.
You may have just stumbled upon the perfect role!
The Opportunity
We operate in an extremely dynamic and competitive space.
In this environment, customers are incredibly discerning and want to know the whole story – the company’s culture, core beliefs and vision for the future.
Our customers do their homework, and in today’s market, they want to know that they’ll be buying from a company with a purpose and a structure to provide the support that they need.
As a Business Development Manager for Kenny's Candy & Confections, you’ll work closely with our Director of Sales to execute corporate strategy and expand distribution to achieve profitability and sales goals.
You’ll need to understand our customers and their expectations and they will need to understand ours.
You’ll also need to have an intimate understanding of our industry and competitive landscape – who we are, whom we’re up against, and how we win.
Business travel is required with this position and you can plan on approximately 40% of your time being spent on the road.
Responsibilities:
Executes corporate strategy with regard to brand and private label development to achieve annual business plan
Sets SMART Goals for Broker Partners and monitors performance ongoing
Provides direction/leadership to broker personnel and internal trade development team
Demonstrates leadership and complete understanding of the annual planning process; focuses on both core distribution gains and key innovation
Utilizes available tools to manage entire trade plan and provide accurate sales forecasts
Comprehends and works with appropriate business tools to identify opportunities, build sales presentations and achieve sales targets
Collects sales data, understands merchandising/category management, delivery requirements and investigates and resolves customer problems/complaints.
Works with Credit Department to resolve issues and meet requirements.
Researches market conditions for each customer to identify new opportunities
Analyzes competitive pricing, promotions, marketing strategies and reports accurately
Composes appropriate written sales correspondence for all levels
Represents the company in a positive and professional manner
Establishes key customer visits often to ensure broker progress.
At a minimum, establishes monthly communication with all brokers and visits every customer annually.
Provides detailed weekly updates to the Director of Branded and Bulk Sales
Attends all necessary trade and customer shows.
Submits expense reports within 30 days of expenditure.
Qualifications
• 4-year Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business
• Sales background, preferably in the confection or snacks industry.
National or Regional Broker
Management experience.
• Excellent verbal & written communication and leadership skills
• National or Regional Key Account responsibility – Wholesale and/or Retail
• Must be a team player and able to work in a fluid environment
• Excellent judgment and reasoning abilities.
Ability to build fact-based selling presentations.
• Self-motivator
• Proficient computer skills (email, internet, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
)