Director of Independent Sales
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Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 166000 - 173000
Posted on:
11 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Director of Independent Sales Lead a $110MM Fundraising Channel & Build Market Growth
Are you a proven leader who can drive managers to outperform goals while growing one of the largest independent sales channels in fundraising Join Worlds Finest Chocolate to elevate performance maximize territories and capture competitor business.
Are you a proven leader who can drive managers to outperform goals while growing one of the largest independent sales channels in fundraising Join Worlds Finest Chocolate to elevate performance maximize territories and capture competitor business.
Director of Independent Sales Fundraising
Growth Leader Channel Strategist Builder of Independent Rep Success
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a Director of Independent Sales Fundraising to lead coach and strengthen one of Worlds
Finest Chocolates largest and most dynamic sales channels. This leader will be responsible for training and supporting Regional Managers Independent Sales Leaders and a Director of Key Accounts overseeing independent reps and high-value accounts.
This role carries accountability for a $110MM book of business with responsibility for tightening territories maximizing sales opportunities and ensuring strong retention of both independent representatives and their customers. Beyond driving overall channel results this leader will be measured on their ability to ensure that every leader who reports to them not only meets but consistently exceeds metrics and goals.
The ideal candidate has experience working with franchisees independent business owners or key account partners and understands how to drive growth while respecting the sensitivities of independent relationships. They will be a growth-minded strategist and competitor focused on both protecting the core and aggressively pursuing new business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Channel Leadership & Growth
- Oversee and grow a $110MM independent sales channel by driving market share account penetration and new account acquisition.
- Design strategies to tighten territories and maximize opportunities within independent rep geographies.
- Pursue competitor reps and business aggressively targeting acquisitions to strengthen market position.
- Develop strategies to acquire and grow bigger fish partners including large nonprofits and regional organizations and sport.
Independent Rep & Key Account Management
- Coach Regional Managers and the Director of Key Accounts to treat independent reps as both sellers and key account customers.
- Hold sales leaders accountable for delivering superior results ensuring they outperform established goals and metrics.
- Drive key account expansion by growing existing accounts to capacity and acquiring new high-value accounts.
- Ensure independent reps are maximizing their territories while releasing unworked opportunities for reassignment.
- Build and strengthen rep loyalty by fostering strong communication recognition and retention initiatives.
Training Coaching & Development
- Ensure Regional Managers and sales leaders deliver consistent best-in-class support to independent reps.
- Partner with leaders to design and deliver impactful contests promotions and support tailored for independent reps.
- Lead the planning and execution of in-person meetings conferences and rep engagement initiatives.
- Develop leadership skills within Regional Managers and Key Account leaders building future-ready talent.
Operational Excellence
- Implement systems and processes that increase visibility and accountability across the independent channel.
- Monitor performance at territory rep and key account levels; proactively address performance gaps.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing Operations Finance) to align independent rep initiatives with company-wide goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10 years of sales leadership experience with channel franchise or independent sales leadership preferred.
- Proven success in managing large sales organizations or key account portfolios exceeding $100MM.
- Experience leading Regional Managers and senior sales leaders in a distributed channel.
- Strong background in key account growth independent rep/channel development and competitive acquisition strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to drive leaders to exceed expectations not just meet targets.
- Excellent communication coaching and relationship-building skills with the ability to balance growth-driving pressure with relationship sensitivity.
- Bachelors degree required; MBA preferred.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Accountability-focused leader who ensures their direct reports deliver results above target.
- Strategic competitor who thrives on building growth in competitive markets.
- Relationship-driven coach who inspires loyalty while demanding high performance.
- Strong balance of analytical rigor and interpersonal finesse.
- Organized and disciplined operator with a strong focus on execution and measurable results.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary $166000.00-$173000.00
- Annual Bonus: 15% of base salary (based on company and individual performance)
- Full medical dental and vision insurance
- 401k Matching
- HSA/FSA & Wellness Programs
- Life & Disability Insurance (STD/LTD)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
- Independent channel revenue growth and retention of $110MM book of business.
- Territory optimization and market penetration.
- Competitive acquisition of reps and key accounts.
- Increased productivity and engagement of independent reps.
- Sales leader performance direct reports exceeding all KPIs goals and metrics.
- Retention of key accounts and independent representatives.
- Execution and impact of contests trainings and in-person meetings.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reports to: Senior Vice President of Fundraising Sales
LOCATION
This role requires regular travel to meet with Regional Managers key accounts independent reps and customers as well as periodic visits to Worlds Finest Chocolates Chicago headquarters. Candidates should be based in or near a major airport ideally in the Central or Eastern time zones.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Worlds Finest Chocolate is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and prohibit discrimination of any kind ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
