Market Development Leader II - Chicago, IL

The Opportunity: Market Development Leader II‑Chicago, IL Under the direction of the Sales Operations Director (SOD), the Market Development Leader II (MDL II) partners with Independent Operators (IOs) and Master Distributors to achieve maximum sales profitability and market penetration using selling strategies and proactive communications. The MDL II informs IOs and distributors of the Company’s initiatives for sales, service, merchandising standards, and product distribution while recognising that IOs and Master Distributors are independent partners. What You’ll Do Communicate the Company’s sales, service, and merchandising strategies to IOs and distributors to ensure proactive and professional relations aligned with mutual interests.

Ensure that the obligations and rights of both the Company, IOs, and Distributors are preserved. Prepare weekly volume and inventory reports and KPI scorecards. Provide a weekly Sales/IO Work‑with planner to SOD.

Spend time on DC loading docks with IOs to hear concerns. Facilitate improvements in IO and distributor results by providing suggestions to grow market share, execute promotional activity, follow store‑level planograms, deliver new product introductions, secure additional space, obtain new points of interruption, and build store‑level relationships. Assists the MDL I and SOD in planning workshop meetings to encourage IOs and distributors to use available tools and mediums to realize sales potential.

Reinforce with retail store managers that Utz supports IOs and distributors and values their relationships. Conduct store visits to maintain proactive relationships with management teams, offer display concepts, seasonal planning tactics, and product promotions; reinforce that IOs and distributors invoice stores. Use the Store Summary form to identify successes and opportunities for DSD sales growth and address underperformance per contractual standards.

Ensure required resets are successful. Run open routes when the Company has bought a route back or operate a motor vehicle, including a route box truck, safely. Provide route ride‑alongs only at the request of the Independent Distributor, offering route optimization and skill sharing.

Act as liaison between IOs and the Company Settlement Department to resolve settlement statement issues. Work proactively with cross‑functional teams. Work with management and associates to ensure Food Safety programs are followed.

Report food, office or operational safety problems to a supervisor or manager. Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and procedures such as Good Manufacturing Practices, OSHA and FDA standards. Perform other duties as assigned that support the Company’s objectives.

Education High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in business preferred. Experience Minimum 5 years of sales operations experience, preferably in snacks, grocery, or beverage industry; DSD experience preferred.

Skills Knowledge of Independent Distribution models and related agreements. Ability to multi‑task and prioritise while remaining flexible. Build trust and rapport through persuasion and respect.

Ethical selling and negotiation skills. Proactive verbal and written communication. Independent and team work in fast‑paced environment.

Attention to detail and excellent organisation. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Comfort with technology for business decisions.

Leadership, presentation, and communication skills. Problem‑identification and problem‑solving. Business acumen and strategic mindset.

Certificates & Licences Valid driver’s licence and ability to obtain DOT medical card. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $65,000 – $80,000 plus bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; 401(k) with profit sharing; Employee Stock Purchase Program; eleven days of paid time off; six paid company holidays per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled. #J-18808-Ljbffr