Company Description

JDE USA, headquartered in Maynard, MA, is a fast-growing premium consumer packaged goods company that is a standalone subsidiary of JDE Peet’s, the largest pure-play coffee and tea company globally. JDE Peet’s business is fueled by a supply chain reaching more than 100 countries, unleashing the possibilities of coffee & tea through their strong portfolio of global, regional and local brands. These brands are built upon a rich history and heritage deeply rooted in the diverse coffee & tea cultures in which we work. The JDE Peet’s portfolio supplies coffee and tea to everyone, no matter who they are, where they are, or what their preferences are. JDE USA offers Tea Forté globally and L’OR Coffee in the U.S.

Job Description

About Tea Forté (Brand)

With its understated luxuriousness, Tea Forté has become an everyday indulgence for tea connoisseurs in over 35 countries. Signature pyramid infusers and design-driven accessories bring impeccably blended teas to every cup. Tea Forté is available at the world’s leading hotels, restaurants, resorts and retailers. Visit our website at teaforte.com to learn more.

In line with its substantial growth, Tea Forté is actively seeking a dynamic Sales Manager for its On-Premise business. This role, based on the East Coast near a major airport, will report to the Vice President of Sales. Massachusetts based is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expand the number of accounts in the tea-serving sector (hotels, restaurants, spas, catering companies, cafes, bakeries, etc.).
• Collaborate with the other sales manager to maximize shows and territory coverage.
• Cultivate and strengthen the customer base.
• Manage all incoming leads from various sources (tradeshows, web, social media, etc.).
• Assist in opening new branches for Food Service distributors (broadliner and/or specialty).
• Contribute to forecasting and planning initiatives.
• Innovate and implement strategies to develop new revenue streams within the channel.
• Compile and analyze information related to customer and prospect interactions.
• Monitor customer, market, and competitor activities, providing valuable feedback.
• Work closely with the marketing function to establish successful support, channel, and partner programs.
• Foster strong client relationships to ensure the brand's long-term presence within the channel.
• Evaluate product marketability based on customer needs.
• Ensure a cohesive brand DNA and a sustainable growth path with a strong focus on profitability.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of sales and sales management experience in a business-to-business sales environment.
• Experience in the hospitality industry.
• Financial acumen, including the ability to read P&L.
• Experience calling on Food & Beverage buyers in any category (cold/hot beverages, gourmet food).

Skills and Experience:

• Results-driven, strategic seller with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Avendra knowledge is a plus.
• Experience with industry tradeshows (e.g., National Restaurant Association show, Fancy Food, etc.).
• Prior experience in the On-Premise channel.
• Strong team player with a dynamic and outgoing personality.
• Experience working with multi-year sales plan and collaborating on annual sales budgets.
• Excellent communication skills, adjusting communication to drive desired results.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, especially advanced Excel (V-lookup, Pivot tables, etc.) and PowerPoint for effective sales presentations.
• Strong analytical and tactical skills, coupled with excellent organizational skills.
• Proactive, driven, and self-motivated with a passion for the Tea Forté brand.
• Ability to prioritize and lead through change.
• Travel required (15-20% nationally).

Additional Information

JDE USA provides employees with a competitive base salary plus opportunity to earn an additional annual bonus based on company success. Employees are eligible to participate in robust benefit programs, which include medical, dental, vision, short-term, long-term and life insurances. We also offer a generous company-matched 401k plan, tuition-reimbursement, deep product discounts, as well as many other fabulous employee perks.