Sales Manager

Sarah A. Kurth

Grand Rapids Michigan (H) 616-***-**** (C) 616-***-****

linkedin.com/in/sarahakurth ***********@*****.***

SUMMARY

Highly accomplished national account sales and marketing manager with a proven record in sales, customer service and relationship building. Over 20 years in foodservice sales with leaders in the industry.

Excellent Account Manager Strategic Planner

Tenacious Brand Builder Team Oriented

Analytical Decision Maker Well Organized

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PEPSICO FOODSERVICE Grand Rapids, Michigan 1997-2012 National Account Sales Manager 2008-2012

Managed sales and marketing activities of Frito Lay products at Subway Restaurants (largest Frito Lay foodservice account) in the Midwest. Worked with key customers in 23 markets. Over 2400 stores. Annual sales of almost 20MM

• Proactively led all Subway/PepsiCo initiatives in six Midwest states.

• Instrumental in the development and extremely successful execution of the Purse Rail Rack. Key to multiple year growth across the whole Subway organization.

• Drove year over year sales growth utilizing aggressive marketing strategies, selling tools, and sales promotions.

• Developed superior sales relationships with key account representatives at multiple levels.

• Managed and monitored $500,000 local advertising agency funds to ensure volume building activities.

• Analyzed all pertinent sales data for use in market presentations, board and Development Agent meetings in order to demonstrate need for Frito Lay focused promotions.

• Coordinated and managed all new product launches with the local Market Development Manager team.

• Exceeded call coverage and KPI goals. Proactively lead all Subway/PepsiCo initiatives in the six Midwest states.

Market Development Manager 2005-2008

Managed and developed Frito Lay, Quaker Oats, Tropicana and Gatorade business within the Foodservice channel with key distributors.

• Exceeded annual sales plan targets by developing customer specific growth plans and seeking new business opportunities.

• Leveraged cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Operations and Finance to execute programs to drive sustainable growth.

• Conducted annual business review with key contacts at the distributors to demonstrate sales success and planning for the following year.

• Planned and executed Food Shows and key business driving events.

• Effectively managed distributor funds.

Operator Territory Manager 2001-2005

Managed and developed Frito Lay, Quaker Oats, Tropicana and Gatorade business at key end user accounts.

• Worked in West Michigan to build and develop relationships with colleges and universities, business and industry, K-12 schools, local and national restaurant chains, travel and leisure and regional management groups.

• Utilized finance supported programming and market insights to grow and develop new and existing accounts.

Territory Manager 1997-2001

Managed and developed Frito Lay business in multiple channels, including Foodservice, Vending and Club Stores in West Michigan.

• Drove customer growth utilizing key programs and marketing funds.

• Responsible for training and education of distributor’s representatives on brand and product information to facilitate effective sales at the distributor level.

• Conducted sales events at key distributors and effectively managed distributor marketing funds.

MENU MAGIC Grand Rapids, Michigan

SANDOZ NUTRITION Grand Rapids, Michigan

Territory Manager 1991-1996

GREAT AMERICAN Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sales Representative 1989-1991

PROCTOR & GAMBLE Grand Rapids, Michigan

Professional Sales Representative 1986-1989

KRAFT FOODS Livonia, Michigan

Sales Representative 1984-1986

EDUCATION

BA-Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing Effective Presentations

Presentation Skills

Diversity and Inclusion Training 1 and 2

Miller Heiman Strategic Selling

Negotiation Skills

CIVIC/PROFESSIONAL AFFLIATIONS

Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, SE Region

School Board Member

Women’s Foodservice Forum

Contact this candidate