The Vita Coco Company, created in 2004 by Co-CEO Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, produces the leading brand of coconut water in the United States with a growing presence around the world. The Vita Coco Company’s brands include the leading coconut water, Vita Coco; clean energy drink Runa; premium canned water, Ever & Ever; and protein-infused water, PWR LIFT.
In 2021, The Vita Coco Company became a publicly traded, Public Benefit Corporation. With a growing portfolio of natural products, The Vita Coco Company has identified its public benefit purpose as creating ethical, sustainable products that uplift communities and do right by our planet by harnessing and protecting nature’s resources.
In 2022, The Vita Coco Company was certified as a B Corporation™ furthering the Company’s commitment toward operating its business as a force for good, while delivering better-for-you products.
Vita Coco is headquartered in New York City with international offices in London and Singapore. The Company is Nasdaq-listed under the ticker symbol COCO.
The Market Development Specialist will lead efforts at retail to achieve distribution and retail execution goals in the Market. The Market Development Specialist will develop strategic plans for the Top 100 accounts, focusing on the distribution, display, and shelf set opportunities that exist. This role is based out of our Denver area reporting directly to the Market Development Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plan and prepare
- Customer business plans
- Market blitzes
- Retail programs
- Portfolio management and incubation of innovation
Measure and improve
- Execution against all of the above
- Display execution
Distributor Management
- Provide consistent communication on retail execution, highlighting accomplishments and clearly outlining follow-up needed from Distributor.
- Calling on various retailers with heavy emphasis on Sprouts, NGVC, Whole Foods and independent NSF KeHE and UNFI customers
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Forge strong partnership with Distributor Sales team and act as a force multiplier.
- Become part of the Distributor team to increase share of mind and demonstrate best practices to motivate them to raise their game.
Organization and Time Management
- Ulitize Repsly to build account call history, record accomplishments and optimize daily schedule.
- 20% overnight travel (Western half USA)
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Years of experience: 1-2 years of professional Sales experience
Professional Experience:
- Proven ability to approach accounts in an innovative and creative way in order to expand the business
- Proven successful sales call strategies
- CPG experience not required but preferred, natural channel experience a plus
- Ability to formulate account strategies and execute against them
- Professional demeanor in working with co-workers, distributors, retail reps and customers
Key Skills & Qualifications:
- Exceptional customer service, interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Creative presentation, public speaking and premium selling skills
- Ability to travel between multiple accounts each day
- A team player who also has the ability to work well independently
- Ability to lift cases of product between 10-35 pounds
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Technical Skills Required: Proficient MS Office Suite skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
The Vita Coco Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
At The Vita Coco Company, compensation decisions are dependent upon a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to: skill set, experience, education, training, licensure and certifications, knowledge and abilities of the applicant, alignment with market data, and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current pay range for this position is $50,000-$60,000. Sales roles are also eligible for incentive pay targeted at 10% of base salary. This range may vary for positions that will be performed outside of California, Colorado, Nevada, New York City, Westchester County, NY, Rhode Island, or Washington.