Regional Sales Manager, Food Service (North)

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Popwell.

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with benefits and development opportunities ⁠that reflect just how much we value them. 

The Regional Sales Manager, Food Service is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for foodservice and vending channels. This role leverages a regional broker network and national sales team to expand distributor networks, drive new account sales, and deliver exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally, analyze market trends, and ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards.

Please note, the location for this field-based role with 60% ability to travel. Ideal cities include, but are not limited to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus.

Reports to: Director of Sales

Direct Reports: NA

Location: Remote work from home, ideally in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis or Columbus #LI-Remote

Annual Bonus Potential: 25% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $99,000 - 129,000

Note: This range is a national average, but compensation will be reviewed based on geographical location depending on where applicant will be working. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

A stipend to cover your time on the road.

• Go-to-Market Strategy: Develop and implement a go-to-market strategy for foodservice and vending channels, utilizing the broker network and national sales team to maximize market penetration.

• Pricing & Program Coordination: Coordinate pricing structures and programming support (rebates, incentives, etc.) to expand distributor networks and drive new account sales.

• Broker Network Leadership: Lead the regional broker network by analyzing existing and potential volumes in targeted distribution channels and identifying opportunities to increase sales volume.

• Market Analysis & Recommendations: Recommend changes in pricing, products, services, distribution, merchandising equipment, and sales techniques by evaluating results and monitoring competitive trends.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams in Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to outline, plan, and execute foodservice distribution strategies that meet immediate consumption commitments.

• Customer Service: Deliver professional and courteous customer service, maintaining strong localized relationships with the customer base.

• Business Analytics: Utilize broker analytic tools to monitor business performance and identify emerging trends.

• Product Presentations: Prepare and deliver presentations on new products to existing customers and distributors, providing product information and sales technique guidance.

• Budgeting & Reporting: Collaborate with the Director of Away From Home to develop the annual budget, monitor expenditures throughout the year, and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction. Provide month-end variance reports and explanations for actual expenses versus budget.

• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.

• Minimum of five (5) years of CPG foodservice experience, ideally with an emphasis on non-commercial sales.

• Experience with regional and national accounts including, but not limited, to US Foods, Sysco, PFG, Gordon Food Service, Aramark, Canteen, Foodbuy, Vistar, and Sodexo

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, particularly PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Ability to travel 60% and accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs. repetitively, as well as to push and pull up to 100 lbs. regularly.

This role is safety-sensitive. This means that you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment).

At Talking Rain...
We are Accountable for Results

We make clear commitments, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes. We trust each other to do great work and support one another when things get tough.

We Innovate with Curiosity

Curiosity fuels everything we do, and innovation is core to who we are. This drives our competitive edge. Rain Makers ask questions, test ideas, and move with intention. We don’t wait for perfect. We try, learn, adjust, and grow.

We Embrace Change

Growth requires adaptability. We are resilient, agile, and energized by what’s next. Those who thrive at Talking Rain are excited by momentum, not intimidated by it.

We Are One Team

We’re better together, and our differences make us stronger. We’re all about diverse perspectives, real relationships, and authenticity at work. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. We compete externally and align internally, engaging the right people and ideas to move the business forward. Collaboration here is active, not passive. We commit. We deliver. Together.

WHAT WE OFFER

Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks! All regular, full-time Rain Makers are equipped with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!
• FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.
• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.
• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)
• Onsite and Hybrid Rain Makers: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive mileage reimbursement.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.
• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.
  • Rain Makers may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.
• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!
• Vehicle Program –
  • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate
  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!
  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

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