Job Responsibilities
I have two national food store chains as my accounts. My
supervisor is also responsible solely for these accounts,
however, our responsibilities are split. We work strictly
corporate to corporate level selling in product.
For every new product that our company introduces, and also for
any product that we'd like to sell into our accounts, I am
responsible for collecting the data, analyzing it, and creating a
good powerpoint story specialized to the account. Looking at the
competitive brands and items, as well as how the account's
competition is doing is also key. Although natural sales skills
are important, in consumer products, fact-based selling is the
only way your product will get in.
I am also responsible for every day communication and issues
created with one of the accounts, as my supervisor and I split
the accounts for paperwork. I handle the deduction paperwork,
communicatino with the re-buyer,and communication with the
analysts at the account.
I also provide any analysis or account level data to our
corporate for both accounts.
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Job Requirements
I went to UC San Diego and graduated from Thurgood Marshall
College in the Communication Dept. UCSD is a top tier public
university, always placing in the top 10 nationally each year. My
education was not based on business, but based on analytics and
understanding critical thinking. I was able to apply the skills I
learned at UCSD to every day use.
I had already been in the consumer products industry prior to
being hired by my current company. My last company was a major
consumer products conglomerate, and they added me to their team
because of my varied experience in business and other industries.
They believed I was marketable due to an ability to acclimate in
any career and company environment/responsibilities.
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Uppers
Many of the careers in this industry are based out of home offices due to the
necessity to be near the account corporate office.
Also, there is a lot of free product. You have access to any product your
company makes.
Often times there is either a car allowance or a company car.
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Downers
Potential for a lot of travel, especially if you are responsible
for national accounts.
Could be at the mercy of the account as you always want your
product on the shelf rather than your competition's. Sometimes
this means an unhealthy work/life balance.
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Lifestyle
Consumer products is a very old-school way of thinking in many of the companies.
Be ready for traditional brick and mortar ideals. Unless you are working from
home, your dress code will be business or business casual.
Expect to travel a lot.
Also, consumer products is often male dominated, depending on the product being
sold.
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Compensation
Since I am in the sales department, I am considered to be a sales
person and have a quota. This being said, I get half annual
bonuses.
My base salary is higher than most in my position, as I came from
a larger company when I joined this one.
Consumer products is notorious for not paying as well, but
usually the perks/benefits out weigh the salary. I have a company
car, which saves a lot of money as well. The range for my
position is most likely $48-$65k. It is really hard to say, as it
matters where the company is based, as it isn't dependent on cost
of living, but on where the company's corporate office is located.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Having sales natural ability is important, but not key. Having a
true understanding of how numbers work, and common sensical
business practices are essential. This business is very logic
oriented. Also, customer service is truly important in this
field. Retailers (Wal-Marts, major grocery store chains, Costco)
don't need you, you need them.
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