Job Description:
Sales, travel, and happy pets too.
We are looking for a Territory Sales Representative in Illinois to join our high performing sales team.
Working in the assigned Territory: Illinois, you will represent Champion Petfoods, maker of premium ORIJEN® and ACANA® foods, to retail and distribution partners. It goes without saying, this is a high visibility role.
The Territory Sales Representative (TSR) is responsible for executing Champion Petfoods' sales strategy within an assigned territory by growing sales, expanding distribution, strengthening retailer relationships, and delivering excellent in-store execution of the ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands.
Working closely with retailers, distributors, and the Regional Sales Manager, the TSR contributes to territory growth through effective account management, product education, merchandising, and sales execution.
This position is open to candidates who currently reside in Chicago or Milwaukee.
What a typical day looks like:
Sales & Territory Management
Execute territory plans aligned with regional sales objectives.
Grow sales and distribution within existing retail accounts.
Identify and pursue new account opportunities.
Maintain consistent account coverage based on territory priorities.
Monitor competitor activity, pricing, and market trends.
Retail & Distributor Partnership
Build strong relationships with retailer and distributor partners and CPF Distributor managers.
Conduct joint sales calls and ride-alongs with distributor representatives.
Support distributor sales efforts through product education and field collaboration.
Deliver business-building recommendations to retail partners.
Merchandising & Execution Excellence
Ensure Champion merchandising standards are maintained in all priority accounts.
Increase brand visibility through displays, secondary placements, signage, and promotional execution.
Monitor assortment, shelf placement, and pricing compliance.
Address execution gaps and follow through on corrective actions.
Training & Brand Advocacy
Conduct product training and education sessions for retail associates and distributor teams.
Represent Champion Petfoods at industry, retailer, and consumer events.
Serve as a passionate ambassador for ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands.
Administration & Reporting
Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity reporting.
Complete expenses, reports, and administrative tasks within established deadlines.
Provide regular territory updates, opportunities, and market insights to the Regional Sales Manager.
Background & Experience:
Outside sales experience ideally within the pet specialty industry, consumer packaged goods/retail experience is a plus.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
Must be able to handle, manage and overcome objections encountered within the sales process.
Remote team collaboration with a proactive, results-driven mindset.
Proven experience using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint along with a CRM program.
Experience presenting to large and small groups.
Flexibility to travel on average 50% within territory, with overnights required
Availability for work events on evenings and weekends as needed
Occasionally, be able to lift and/or carry up to 40lbs.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Sales Performance
Territory sales growth versus target
New account acquisition
Growth of key retail accounts
Distribution
New SKU placements
Distribution gains across priority accounts
Assortment expansion
Retail Execution
Merchandising compliance
Display placement and promotional execution
Territory coverage achievement
Customer Development
Retail training sessions completed
Distributor ride-alongs completed
Customer relationship effectiveness
Operational Excellence
CRM compliance
Timely reporting and administration
Budget and expense management adherence
Success Profile
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Results-oriented with a proactive mindset
Organized and able to manage territory priorities…