Sales Representative

~ Kalona Organics was formed in 2005 and our mission is to develop brands that expand markets in the natural/organic food community. Currently, the staff at Kalona Organics provides sales and marketing services for the Kalona SuperNatural brand. Our flexible sales and marketing approach is the perfect fit for entrepreneurial start-ups looking to grow their sales in the natural products industry. ~

Position Overview

Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Manager for Kalona Organics, the Sales Representative is responsible for maintaining customer relationships and growing sales in assigned geographical areas. This position will interface with customers via the phone, email, and on a face to face basis.

Note: Up to 50% travel is expected.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Execute sales plans to meet budgeted goals related to sales, promotions, and expenses.
• Participate in customer calls and market visits to monitor new product introductions,
• conduct business reviews, and identify opportunities that can move the business forward.
• Deliver sales presentations, showcase new items to customers, and secure new
• placements.
• Manage existing accounts, as assigned, and seek new accounts.
• Generate leads from cold calls, networking, and industry connections.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of current and new Kalona Organics products.
• Follow through on customer and broker requests including submitting store turnover orders.
• Monitor and track weekly credits
• Submit promotional/new item paperwork to brokers/on portals; review and manage confirmations; and monitor retailer category review calendars
• Arrive promptly at customer locations, ensure neat and orderly appearance of Kalona
• Organics products and assist in hanging shelf tags, utilizing promotional POS/POP materials and resets.
• Create strong partnerships with customers, brokers, and distributors.
• Attend sales trade shows, meetings, and trainings.
• Inform management of area activities and significant customer concerns.
• Oversee product sample shipments
• Collaborate closely with Kalona Organics Marketing and Operations teams to ensure partner needs are being fulfilled and expectations exceeded.
• Travel as required.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• 4+ years relevant experience with direct sales and account management (e.g., dairy, speciality food, natural and organic).
• Demonstrated success selling to the natural, specialty and grocery categories.
• Experience in dairy is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated follow-through skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to solve problems in a resourceful and data-driven manner while working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Must have a valid drivers license, clean driving record, and ability to travel to customer businesses.
• Highly self-motivated and self-disciplined with ability to work effectively, potentially remotely, with little or no supervision
• Ability to get in and out of car multiple times per day.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and set up display and move products.
• Team-oriented with a focus on working in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to adhere to the Open Gates Guiding Principles and continually embrace personal and professional development.

Additional Information

Bill Evans and his wife, and six children, moved to Kalona, Iowa where they put down roots and became part of a community that is largely comprised of Amish and Mennonite farmers. Over time, Bill’s connection to the people and the land, as well as his background in finance, led him to create Kalona Organics, which oversaw the distribution of the Farmers All Natural Creamery and Cultural Revolution brands.

Today, the company, which operates out of Kalona, Iowa, has become an essential part of ensuring that small organic farmers can share their all natural, high-quality products. We are invested in the lives of our producers and, in turn, they are invested in the integrity of the product we send to market. Together, we take pride in the products that bear the Kalona Organics seal of approval.