FT - Retail Sales Merchandiser — Development - Algonquin, IL - S  

Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC was formed in 1987 to combine the strongest sales and marketing agents in the country. ASM's goal was to become the leading sales and marketing agency serving the consumer packaged goods industry. Over a period of three years, twenty-one Tier I companies throughout North America joined Advantage and by April 2000, the goal was achieved.

Today, ASM represents over 1,200 clients. The combined operations of Advantage have a revenue base that exceeds $700 million with an associate base that exceeds 20,000 persons. Some of our top clients include SC Johnson, Unilever, Quaker/Tropicana/Gatorade, Schering Plough Health Care, GlaxoSmithKline, Church & Dwight, and Del Monte. The growth of Advantage has been dramatic, reflecting the changing industry in which it competes. As few as ten years ago, there were approximately 2,500 competitors, consisting of local and regional sales agencies. The industry has consolidated to about 500 companies today, and of these 500, there are only three companies that currently provide national coverage with a broad array of services.

Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC consolidated its member-based organization in June 2004. Our structure enables us to capitalize on new areas for expansion, and to offer our clients and associates unparalleled opportunities for growth. Advantage has established itself in the industry as a dominant player with significant momentum. This has provided a substantial competitive advantage in securing new business and provides the requisite financial strength to invest in leading edge technology and infrastructure to meet the expanding needs of its clients.

ASM has one of the most complete technological solutions in the industry that maintains the pace of new innovation. This emphasis on new technology has given Advantage the unique ability to meet the needs of national and global clients which did not exist a few years ago. ASM's philosophy also includes fostering a "learning environment." Advantage provides extensive training and development programs and prioritizes a culture focused on performance development management. Coupled with a strong management team, ASM is confident of its ability to effectively compete in the global marketplace.

There is a measurable amount of satisfaction in knowing that your ideas, talents, and experience can make a difference. Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC (ASM) and our companies embrace diversity and the development of a performance driven culture and company. We strive to attract the most talented candidates to join our team, because we value people as our most strategic and competitive asset. Our positions encompass all aspects of business: sales, marketing, category management, merchandising, finance, business development, administration, information technology, and human resources. Job PurposeA Retail Sales Merchandiser Development position is to gain exposure and learn all aspects of the retail business to develop into a leadership role. The RSMD works within the Advantage Degreed Associate Performance Team (ADAPT) program, which provides training, mentoring and leadership development while the associate works within an assigned territory. Job ResponsibilitiesClients/Brands Represented

• Familiarize with Clients and products at Retail

Customer Relations

• Gain working knowledge of Customer relations by working with Customers and store personnel 

Store Conditions

• Achieve Client goals/objectives by effectively managing stores within assigned territory
• Increase brand representation/effectiveness through establishing and maintaining trade/Client relationships
• Gain working knowledge of Key Performance Indicators

Merchandising

• Maintain Client objectives by ensuring all authorized items are represented on the shelf and tagged accurately
• Ensure unsaleables/out-of-code product is removed following Customer/Client guidelines

Sales

• Increase sales volume through promotional activity by selling/building displays, creating themes to support holiday/special promo events, and perform resets 

Shelf Standards

• Meet/exceed schematic standards by ensuring all items are in distribution and set to shelf standards
• Increase promotional effectiveness through placement of appropriate POS material

New Items

• Ensure all authorized items are tagged and in distribution according 

Administration/Reporting/Communication

• Maintain Retail Account Profile Card
• Ensure store call information/reporting is accurate/timely
• Check Voicemail a minimum of three times daily

Call Coverage

• Maintain frequency coverage

 Development

• Work with Retail Supervisor, Retail Operations Manager and Director of Retail Operations to gain understanding of retail/other departments
• Work on development by participating in webinars, self-tutorials, and reading preparing to move into leadership 

Performance

• Performance measures have been put in place to ensure each RSMD in ADAPT program performs at a high level and is continuing to progress towards future leadership
• RSMD's will receive a formal Performance Contribution Assessment by management at a minimum of 6 month intervals

• 4  year degree required, preferably in business/related area
• Strong presentation, written/oral communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Intermediate or advanced PC skills with strong understanding of Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Flexible schedule; ability to travel
• Willing to relocate
• Valid drivers license for state of residence

 This is a list of the major responsibilities, duties, and physical demands required of this position and may not be all-inclusive. How far are you willing to allow yourself to go in order to make an impact? Think endless possibilities, limitless opportunities, and a challenging environment to grow in. Pursue your potential, reward yourself, and advance your career with Advantage Sales and Marketing. Advantage Sales and Marketing, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values workplace diversity. *WIR*','