Manager, Distributor Sales Development

About Zep Inc.

Zep Inc. is a leading manufacturer of cleaning solutions for businesses and consumers with operations across the U.S, Canada, and Europe. Our purpose is to make the planet cleaner, safer, and more productive. To fulfill our purpose, we focus on understanding and solving cleaning needs for consumers, as well as business customers across a variety of segments including transportation, industrial, institutional, and food & beverage. We also have a strong presence in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) segment, where we develop products to help consumers and businesses maintain a clean and safe environment. Our products can be found online and at retail shelves at outlets like Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Grainger, HD Supply, Walmart, and many others. We market our products under well recognized and established brand names, such as Zep®, Enforcer®, Misty®, TimeMist®, TimeWick, and Country Vet®. Zep was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. In 2021, Zep became the official cleaning partner of Atlanta United FC.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Distributor Sales Development Manager role is a strategic resource within Zep Sales and Service and is responsible for developing and implementing business plans for aligned distributors while building opportunities with prospective distributors.  The DSDM is responsible for management of all aspects of distributors in the territory which include relationship building, training and corporate account compliance. The DSDM plays a key role in the success of Zep Sales and Service and our distribution partners and we look forward to talking to you about this exciting career opportunity. Primary focus will be on National Distribution.

Primary Duties: 

Distribution Management

• Travel throughout assigned territory and call on current and approve prospective distributors to obtain new business and expand existing business.
• Perform formal business presentations to owners and key distributor personnel.
• Train distributor staff on chemical application, new products, branding, safety, corporate account protocols.
• Implement sales campaigns to meet sales expectations.
• Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
• Perform field prospecting with distributor sales personnel to drive L2 solution account sales.
• Develop annual business plans with distributors that will satisfy the mission of the distributor and achieve the financial plans of Zep Sales and Service.
• Ensure communication is flowing smoothly between distributors and Zep Sales and Service.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, itinerary and expense reports in a timely manner.
• Develop and update sales process and protocol.

Other Responsibilities:

• Maintain awareness of market needs, problems and competitive products and strategies and be sure to share that knowledge that might benefit others and the company.
• Collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.
• Attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, environmental regulations, or industry developments.
• Act as a cultural leader, embodying and promoting Company vision and values.
• Perform other responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications:

• BA-BS degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years industry experience, with strong knowledge in chemicals, chemical application and the industrial sector industry
• Strong planning and organization skills to include business planning, sales opportunity and time management
• Proven ability to plan and manage at both the strategic and operational levels
• Solid problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence key stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, for internal and external groups and multiple levels within organizations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Ability to travel 40% of the time

Our Values

At Zep, we have developed a set of values focused on bringing even greater cohesion to our workplace. As part of this plan, we introduced a values framework called S.P.E.E.D. to align with our purpose of making the planet cleaner, safer, and more productive.

• Stewardship: We continuously improve the safety of our people and products, and we protect the planet by innovating solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

• Passion for Problem Solving: We listen to our customers and actively work to find solutions for unique situations. We think creatively to innovate and seize opportunities that will drive growth and make all our customers’ and consumers’ lives better.

• Empowerment: We encourage and lead our people to be accountable by equipping them to make decisions and own the outcome

• Expertise: We create innovative solutions and partnerships that are relevant to service our communities and customers.

• Doing the Right Thing: We expect our people to understand ethical boundaries and be inclusive of other backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives. Demonstrating honesty, respect and integrity in all actions is always expected.

Zep Inc. is an organization that is committed to diversity within its workforce and encourages all interested candidates, including women, minorities, & former military personnel to apply.  It is the policy of Zep Inc. that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, Zep Inc. provides full employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, ancestry, or veteran status or any other distinction outlined in all applicable federal, state, and local laws.