State Sales Manager

**Introduction**:
Calendar Cheese Company is Australia's leading importer and distributor of domestic and international specialty cheese, caviar and premium dry goods, servicing premium retailers, restaurants & airlines, across Australia. We offer an extensive selection of premium cheese, caviar and dry goods sourced from the best dairies, affineurs and producers around the world. Building a network of relationships, we are able to offer exclusive, limited & competitive ranging.

We have an amazing opportunity for a passionate and dynamic State Sales Manager to join the team.

**Description**:
About the Role

Reporting to the National Sales Manager, the State Sales Manager will be responsible for the development, execution and performance of all state sales strategies while working to empower, direct and provide clear leadership towards the achievement of maximum profitability and growth.

Establish, plan and strategize to develop new business whilst achieving budgeted growth rates within the existing customer base and core range of products. Work closely with all departments to contribute positively to the company's long-term strategies and commercial success.

**Key Responsibilities**:
Develop and execute sales strategies in order to achieve sales and margin budget
Provide product training to customers and sales team as well as become a product expert
Create and distribute measurable KPIs for the sales team in accordance with the sales strategy
Control expense, including advertising and promotional budget, discounts, samples, charity, donations etc.
Instigate and manage ongoing and new business development strategies, whilst driving growth within existing customers
Play a direct role in managing key corporate HORECA and independent retail accounts spending sufficient time in the market with Key Account Managers to investigate customer potential and to stay connected to the market and their customers
Schedule adhoc promotions to clear overstocks and minimise wastage as well as conduct customer promotional events and tastings, which drive sales and increase market awareness
Execute price increases in a timely manner as well manage the discount model ensuring achievement of the gross margin budget
Contribute effectively to the S&OP process by providing sales forecasts to minimise lost sales and wastage
Contribute to the NPD process working closely with the National Category Team
Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers
Manage a team of Key Account Managers

**Skills and Experience**:
Must hold a current driver's licence
Proven background and experience in a similar role working with premium food products
Professional experience in hospitality is preferred
Intermediate Microsoft office skills - Word, Excel, Outlook
Proven experience in managing a team
Strong communication and influencing skills. In particular, the ability to advocate change and influence internal opinion.
Highly organised and able to meet deadlines
Numerate with the ability to understand data and interpret it in a lateral manner as well as the ability to report and analyse reports
Ability to propose and deliver continuous improvement initiatives
Diplomacy and tact in order to gain support at all levels in the business coupled with confidence, intelligence and business acumen skills to influence abilities and outcomes.
An individual who is prepared to own a process and accept accountability for performance.
Decisive, with the ability to make sound decisions, based on experience and good judgement.
A pragmatic person, capable of interacting successfully at all levels of the organisation.

**The Benefits**:
Superb company culture
Supportive and collaborative management team
Incentivised targets
Competitive remuneration
Staff discount on company products
Ongoing training and professional development
Paid Parental Leave
Service Recognition Program
Volunteer Leave
Novated Leasing Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Educational Assistance and Study Leave
Community Service Leave