Rockies Territory Manager

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried
Reports to: Manager, U.S. Territory Sales
Classification: Exempt 
Job Level: S2 - Specialist II
Location: Remote within Territory: Colorado, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming // Must reside within "Rockies" territory or or by Start Date
Anticipated applicant review / close date: Friday, February 21, 2025

What you'll do:

This position is responsible for driving sustained revenue growth by building partnerships with select key retailers in the United States. Success in this role requires a consumer and retailer-centric approach to building and maintaining relationships with accounts. This position reports to the U.S. Territory Sales Manager and will strive to consistently exceed customers’ expectations by understanding their challenges and by solving problems for their target consumer. 

• Prospect new business by identifying opportunities to open new accounts at a rate that increases net account distribution in the territory and aligns with Ruffwear’s sales strategy and growth targets.
• Focus on creating intentional, deep and meaningful partnerships with retailers.
• Manage assigned accounts through constant contact and analysis of inventory flow and assortment add/swap opportunities.
• Meet or exceed annual targeted financial goals for the assigned territory.
• Plan the use of Ruffwear’s “Landmark Retailer” funds through the development and implementation of account-specific marketing and sales programs which support brand and customer experience. 
• Utilize authorized preseason and category offers with proper discretion to achieve business goals.
• Coordinate and execute local trade-supportive marketing opportunities.
• Support the brand by planning and executing in-person and virtual employee clinics.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement in selling and business planning skills; including set planning, forecasting, retail marketing, POP usage, understanding of retail financials, and market trend analysis.
• Maximize brand presence and presentation on all accounts with online retail platforms.
• Participate in regional and national trade shows and events, as needed.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Who you'll oversee:

This role is an individual contributor and does not have supervisory responsibilities.

What environment you'll work in:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting (Ruffwear office or home office as necessary).

Our headquarters operates in Pacific Time (PT), but as a global company, we collaborate across multiple time zones. This role requires flexibility to support teams and business needs across regions. As a  salaried employee, we expect  you to balance your time while ensuring availability for key meetings and collaboration, including some that may fall within Pacific Time hours or other necessary time zones.

This position frequently sets up and tears down visual displays and trade show booths, which requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).

What travel will look like for you:

Regular travel up to 45% within the assigned territory is required, including sponsored trips to Ruffwear's HQ in Bend, Oregon as well as occasional domestic travel may be required for sales events, trade shows, and customer meetings.

What you bring to the role:

• 5-10 years of sales experience, with at least 3 years in field sales or account management
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
• Experience in the outdoor and/or pet consumer products industry (preferably in Sales, Marketing and/or Customer Service)
• Demonstrated experience in retail assortment planning and/or merchandising
• Proficiency in data analysis, budget management, and purchase forecasting.
• Self-motivated, possessing excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with ERP or CRM systems (NetSuite preferred).   
• Passion for the outdoors as well as dogs and first-hand understanding of the bond between canines and humans.

What we expect you to accomplish within the first year:

• At least 10% increase in dealer-based accounts (YoY)
• At least 10% increase in assortment penetration with existing accounts (YoY)
• Well-established, positive relationships with your top 25 accounts as a result of at least 2 in-person visits spaced throughout the year 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee to do this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Business Unusual 

At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear.  Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and has twice been named to Outside Magazine's “100 Best Places to Work.”  Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds.  We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet.  Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive.  Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains.  Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the well-being and creativity of our pack.  Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.