Company Description
The Lindt Chocolate family of brands - Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover, combine to be the 3^rd largest chocolate company in the industry. Each brand has carved a unique niche in the hearts of consumers.  Our products can be found in major mass, drug, and grocery chains in all 50 states and in company-owned and independent retail locations. With a strong retail presence domestically and abroad, we are poised to meet the needs of our customers for life’s everyday moments, seasonal celebrations, and special occasions. 

Job Description
The Sales Representative is responsible for selling in programs and executing superior retail merchandising for base accounts in a defined geographic territory.  The Sales Representative sells and merchandises the complete lines of Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover products to all customers and strives to exceed established sales objectives.   

Ths Sales Representative will own the pre-selling (including DSD product), and delivery cycle for the assigned territory.   The goal of the Sales Representative is to increase retail presence of Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover products in a defined geographic territory.

The major cities in this territory include: Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville as well as surrounding areas.  The ideal candidate will be centrally located in the Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville areas. There are approximately 95 accounts in this territory.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Organizes, rotates, and stocks displays in assigned areas 
• Transfers cases of product from the back room to the sales floor
• Ensures Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover products are beautifully displayed in key selling locations
• Sells and orders Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover products and displays in a defined geographic territory
• Sells direct seasonal and everyday programs where applicable
• Follows and maintains a defined territory schedule that includes calling upon retail stores and increasing Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover shelf and display presence.
• Identifies, builds, and assembles displays including seasonal sets (requests assistance when necessary)
• Grows the business by exceeding established goals
• Provides excellent customer service by developing productive working relationships with store employees and customers
• Communicates issues to District Manager in a timely manner
• Grows and maintains positive relationships with all customers
• Executes merchandising activities such as rotates products, builds displays, maintains inventory, responds to customer's needs, and maintains product authorizations on store shelves
• Sells opportunities for new distribution across a defined geographic territory 
• Educates Store Management about Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover programs
• Maintains accurate records, reports, and territory data via company provided tools
• Completes daily call activity reports and pertinent issues pertaining to customers and/or job and sales objectives accomplished via company provided iPad
• Participates in sales team meetings
• Follows processes for submitting the number of hours worked, the tracking of mileage, and the reporting of expenses
• Prepares activity reports as requested and communicates sales trends and recommendations
• Projects a professional company image to all employees, customers, and consumers
• Utilizes standard company equipment and materials
• Completes special tasks or projects as assigned
• Updates the District Manager regarding over-time requests, issues pertaining to customers, and job/sales objectives accomplished
• Maintains professionalism in all aspects of company business

TO BE CONSIDERED AN APPLICANT FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SHOW HOW YOU MEET THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE REQUIREMENTS.
 
Requirements
 
Basic Qualifications:

• Sales and/or merchandising experience
• Ability to climb, reach, bend, rotate, stoop, carry and lift up to 50 pounds
• Reside within the assigned territory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience
• Previous CPG or retail experience strongly desired
• Experience making effective sales presentations and using professional negotiation skills
• Good organizational and planning skills needed (to maintain a set schedule of accounts)
• Ability to follow instructions and have a keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and excel in a fast-paced environment
• Experience carrying out merchandising objectives such as: maintaining distribution levels, increasing shelf presence, building and stocking displays, maintaining signage logs, filling back stock, developing cross-merchandising and tie-in opportunities, as well as working with plan-o-grams to set/reset product
• Ability to build effective relationships

Additional Details

• Must reside within the specified geographic territory, (ideally will live in the center of the territory)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable drivers check
• No overnight stays per month are required

Benefits Information
 
Lindt North America offers a competitive compensation package, bonus program, generous health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, and other ancillary offerings.  In addition, we have a retirement savings 401K plan, 10 paid holidays, paid vacation, and generous discounts on our delicious products!  This position is eligible to participate in our Business Vehicle Reimbursement Program.