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Jobing Description
Department: Sales - FoodService/Special Ingredients
Location: San Leandro, CA
Reporting Relationship: Director of Sales & Marketing FS/SI
Direct Reports: n/a
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time
Summary:
The Product Manager for the Foodservice/Specialty Ingredients Division optimizes the business potential for Ghirardelli Chocolate foodservice products and channels, through strong project management, product development, channel marketing, sales planning, and key customer interfacing. This position will also have direct responsibility to develop the export business. Candidates must show a strong understanding of the foodservice business model and customer needs, and use insight to develop successful product strategies, promotional tactics, and sales tools to optimize growth for the foodservice business, while being consistent with Ghirardelli's brand equity, competitive advantages, and profit objectives.
Responsibilities:
Successful project management of key marketing and sales planning initiatives for foodservice products/channels to effectively build sales and profits.
Develop new products and product applications that are based on trends and consistent with volume and profit targets. Recommend other changes to the product line (pricing, packaging, customers) as appropriate to improve volume or profit delivery. Build launch plans to expedite successful results. Assist on sales calls and at trade shows during product launches.
Lead cross functional teams through effective project management in new product development, including establishing product parameters (concept, price, and packaging), developing marketing plans and selling tools, forecasting volume and growth expectations.
Develop drink and dessert recipes to increase the quality and quantity of product applications. Create sales materials on recipes. Assist on sales calls for drink and dessert development.
Has direct sales & marketing responsibility for the FS/SI export business.
Measure accomplishments versus annual Foodservice Sales Priorities by Region/Broker, publish results, and work with field sales to enhance results attainment.
Manage new customer lead generation efforts for foodservice products. This includes internet advertising efforts with the Ghirardelli website and website adverting opportunities. Creating and executing effective trade journal advertisements with the most effective vehicles. Develop direct marketing programs to secure new business.
Manage trade show booth image and appearance, event sponsorships, and event marketing.
Develop effective channel and account specific marketing programs to drive trial and awareness.
Work with the Director of Sales & Marketing in developing annual strategic marketing plans.
Work internally and with field sales to facilitate the on-going approval process for co-branding and/or licensing agreements with foodservice customers and gift packers. Assist with upfront research and launch plans, while providing analysis on results.
Develop effective sales presentations and sell sheets for new and current products. Secure, analyze, and prepare appropriate customer and consumer research to incorporate in sales materials.
Enhance the annual business plan binder and subsequent sales bulletins with effective marketing and sales planning tools for the sales organization.
Skills / Requirements
Skills Required:
Strong leadership and project management skills in order to manage project timelines and cross-functional teams with excellence in execution and strong attention to details.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of independence.
Strategic thinking skills and proven experience generating original ideas.
Strong analytical skills to make sound recommendations affecting business decisions and results.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent written communication skills and solid presentation skills.
Demonstrate passion, commitment and integrity in all activities.
Energetically takes ownership of job responsibilities.
Treat confidential information as such.
Take both a top-line and bottom-line perspective on all issues.
Collaborate effectively across all functions.
Liaison with branded marketing to identify mutual product opportunities.
Build the Ghirardelli brand equity by demonstrating quality in everything you do.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required, MBA degree desired.
Minimum of 4 years of related experience in consumer packaged goods and/or foodservice.
Experience in both headquarters and field sales preferred.
Strong project management experience required.
Working Conditions:
Travel up to 20% of the time.
Ability to travel to various locations across the country or local travel to meetings.
Rare to Occasional ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
See HR for a complete list of physical demands
Important Notes
Selection and Development:
If you are a qualified candidate, please submit your resume, INCLUDING SALARY REQUIREMENTS, through Jobing.com
Only qualified local candidates whose resumes are submitted by the closing date will be considered for this position. There is no sponsorship available for this position. There is no relocation available for this position.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
