Territory Manager, Southwest

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Reports to: Manager, U.S. Territory Sales

Classification: Exempt

Location: Remote (US State within assigned territory)

Job Level: S2 - Specialist II

Date: July 2024

Territory: CA, NV, AZ (candidate must live in State within assigned territory)

Summary/Objective 

This position is responsible for driving sustained revenue growth by building partnerships with select key retailers in the United States. Success in this role requires a consumer and retailer-centric approach to building and maintaining relationships with accounts. This position reports to the U.S. Territory Sales Manager and will strive to consistently exceed customers’ expectations by understanding their challenges and by solving problems for their target consumer. 

Position Requirements 

• Prospect new business by identifying opportunities to open new accounts at a rate that increases net account distribution in the territory and aligns with Ruffwear’s sales strategy and growth targets.

• Focus on creating intentional, deep and meaningful partnerships with retailers.

• Manage assigned accounts through constant contact and analysis of inventory flow and assortment add/swap opportunities.

• Meet or exceed annual targeted financial goals for the assigned territory.

• Plan the use of Ruffwear’s “Landmark Retailer” funds through the development and implementation of account-specific marketing and sales programs which support brand and customer experience.

• Utilize authorized preseason and category offers with proper discretion to achieve business goals.

• Coordinate and execute local trade-supportive marketing opportunities.

• Support the brand by planning and executing in-person and virtual employee clinics.

• Demonstrate continuous improvement in selling and business planning skills; including set planning, forecasting, retail marketing, POP usage, understanding of retail financials, and market trend analysis.

• Maximize brand presence and presentation on all accounts with online retail platforms.

• Participate in regional and national trade shows and events, as needed.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting (Ruffwear office or home office as necessary). This position frequently sets up and tears down visual displays and trade show booths, which requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).

Travel

Regular travel (1-2 trips per month) within the assigned territory is required. Occasional domestic travel may be required for sales events, trade shows, and customer meetings.

Required Education and Experience

• 5+ years of sales experience, preferably in field sales or account management for a consumer brand.

• Demonstrated experience in retail assortment planning and/or merchandising.

• Proficiency in data analysis, budget management, and purchase forecasting.

• Self-motivated, possessing excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.

• Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills.

• Proficiency in MS Excel, Google Suite, and Project Management software (Asana, Basecamp, Teamwork).

• Experience working with ERP or CRM systems (NetSuite preferred).

• Passion for dogs and first-hand understanding of the bond between canines and humans.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.

• Experience in the outdoor and/or consumer products industry.

• Passion for the outdoors.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee to do this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Business Unusual 

At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear.  Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and has twice been named to Outside Magazine's “100 Best Places to Work.”  Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds.  We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet.  Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive.  Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains.  Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the well-being and creativity of our pack.  Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.

The Perks (Job Benefits):

We believe that our employees and their achievements drive our success and that rewards must be mutual. We always keep employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone in the Pack.

Base Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 annually 

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks, as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Company-paid employee assistance plan, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability.
• 4 weeks of PTO to start – 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental, family and medical leave.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• 50% off Ruffwear products and additional outdoor gear discounts.
• Company performance bonus eligibility each quarter.
• Up to $500/year reimbursement for Wellness expenses.
• 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time each year.
• Month of Unleashed Discovery (sabbatical leave) every 5 years.
• 2 Field Days per year to test product samples with dogs in action.
• Annual company-wide outings and regular virtual/in-person events.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

As a mission-driven brand, Ruffwear is deeply committed to putting people first and creating a space where we can be our authentic self. We welcome, embrace, and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation.

We encourage you to apply regardless of your experience within the outdoor industry. At Ruffwear we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who are curious, collaborative, and treat others with respect and gratitude. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Ruffwear in our mission to foster canine and human connections outdoors. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!