Associate Regional Sales Manager

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Associate Regional Sales Manager is responsible for driving net sales of a specific Mizkan portfolio within a defined geography. Success in this role is achieved by delivering net sales objectives through strong collaboration with broker partners, identifying account level growth opportunities, and executing business plans that support both short- and long-term growth. This role will strengthen customer relationships, optimize distribution, and implement winning sales strategies that align Mizkan and retailer priorities. This role partners closely with customer executives, category managers, buyers, supply chain, and broker agency representatives. This role will lead customer negotiations and work through a broker sales agency to deliver objectives. Accountable for applying strong category management capabilities—leveraging insights, shelving strategies, and assortment recommendations—to influence retailer decisions and enhance the portfolio’s performance in the marketplace. Delivering profitable sales plans require excellence in retail and omni-channel, including physical & digital merchandising, trade fund tactics, distribution, authorization, pricing strategies and category management skills. 

Essential Functions:

• Deliver business results within territory, including developing go-to-market plans including physical and digital merchandising, trade fund tactics, distribution, authorization, pricing strategies and category management that achieve both customer and brand priorities.
• Lead end‑to‑end category management with strategic customers by analyzing performance, defining category roles, and executing assortment, pricing, promotion, and shelving tactics—supported by internal and broker insights teams—to drive growth and continuous optimization.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner with customers, engaging with executives, category managers, buyers, supply chain partners, and other business partners.
• Establish customer priorities and develop joint business plans that align Mizkan and customer strategies and annual growth targets.
• Ensure broker agency sales leadership fully understands Mizkan objectives and KPIs; lead and hold the agency accountable for best‑in‑class execution.
• Develop strong relationships with key cross-functional partners, including customers, sales leadership, brand marketing, sales operations, and trade management.
• Manage territory financials, ensuring trade spend is deployed to drive incremental revenue growth and is reconciled within budget.
• Partner with Trade Analysts to provide inputs into sales systems supporting fulfillment, performance tracking, and relevant S&OP processes (e.g., volumes forecasting).
• Leverage relationships and insights to challenge the status quo and accelerate mutually beneficial sales growth for Mizkan and customers.
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.
• Regular, predictable attendance during core business hours in a remote work environment is an essential function of this position. Employees are expected to be responsive, accessible, and actively engaged throughout the workday.
• This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.

Key Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to challenge the status quo, demonstrate thought leadership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytic skills, experience with syndicated data (NielsenIQ / Circana IRI, Dunhumby, Numerator) and developing fact-based account plans to achieve volume objectives and key brand priorities.
• Energized by collaboration, values cross‑functional partnership, and thrives in an accountable, results‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated ambition, drive, and passion for sales; a natural relationship‑builder and emerging leader.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
• 2 years of sales experience, internship, or category insights in food consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Experience in customer headquarters selling, key account management, trade management, or retail strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of CPG industry, retail channels, and activation aligned with account specific strategies.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:

• Travel up to 30% for customer visits, market visits, company meetings, etc.
• Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10–15 lbs.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $100,000.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.

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