Regional Sales Manager

Pet Product News Magazine

. Drive sales performance and market growth within a defined geographic region .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeVermont • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in driving sales performance and market growth within the independent pet specialty channel, with a strong focus on building partnerships and executing strategic sales plans. Proficient in account management, sales leadership, and retail operations, with a passion for pet products.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sales LeadershipAccount ManagementRetail OperationsStrategic Sales PlanningMarket Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sales PerformanceMarket GrowthRevenue TargetsRetail EngagementSales MetricsBudget ManagementInventory ForecastingMulti-Region Sales ManagementDistributor Partnership StrategiesRetail Merchandising

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationOrganizational SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTime ManagementCoaching and Mentoring

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeRetail Merchandising Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration or Related FieldValid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Independent Pet Specialty ChannelPet Food IndustryRetail Partner AccountsDistributor SalesMarket Trends

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive sales performance and market growth within a defined geographic region
Build strong, sustainable partnerships with stakeholders
Develop strategic plans to meet revenue targets and drive new store acquisitions
Manage multi-customer portfolios and retail engagement in the market
Analyze market trends and identify growth opportunities
Develop and execute regional sales strategies aligned with national objectives and the company business plan
Conduct value-added site visits to at least 20 stores per week
Establish and grow independent retail partner accounts, including regional and national key multi-unit accounts
Ensure all Vital Essentials product categories are represented in retail partner stores
Educate and train retail partners on Vital Essentials products
Reengage former retail partners to relaunch Vital Essentials products
Manage account strategies, sales metrics, targets, budgets, and trade expenses
Promote national programs and secure effective product merchandising and placement
Develop regional distributor partnership strategies
Analyze distributor data and identify opportunities to open new regional key account businesses
Train and present business reviews and opportunities at distributor sales meetings
Build relationships with distributor territory managers to increase brand recommendations
Partner with distributor representatives to target accounts and secure orders and product placement
Attend distributor events and open houses
Forecast inventory levels to maintain in-stock distributor warehouse products
Collaborate with Brand, eCommerce, and other internal teams on end-to-end sales-to-distribution management
Coach, lead, and mentor other Regional Sales Managers
Support and attend demos, sampling, and offsite activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, business administration or related field (required)
3+ years of experience in the independent pet specialty channel working with distributors to expand rooftops and item penetration, preferably with a high growth pet food brand or distributor (required)
Experience in multi-region or expanded territory sales management while leading a team of direct sales managers (preferred)
Proven experience and skills in sales leadership, preferably in the pet food industry
Ability to provide solutions tailored to retailer's market dynamics
Confidence interacting with senior leaders on regional chain accounts
Basic understanding of retail operations, planogram compliance, customer engagement strategies, and account management
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with retail merchandising software is preferred
Passion for pets and pet products is highly desirable
Ability to travel 50%–90% of the time
Valid driver’s license

Benefits

Comp & perks

Travel at least 50% of the time and up to 90% of the time
Opportunities to coach, lead, and mentor other Regional Sales Managers
Participation in events including demos, sampling, and offsite activities