Manager, Regional Sales

APPA Location: Stamford, CT

Reports to: V.P., Membership & Business Development

Annual base salary + commission opportunity

About Us

We champion leaders who live our values and commitment to success at every level. Imagining our work as a journey, we believe integrity guides our way, inclusion moves us forward, and innovation creates new destinations.

We are the American Pet Products Association (APPA), and since 1958, we have been promoting responsible pet care and advancing the pet products industry. We are the leading trade association in the pet industry, made up of 1,200 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers, suppliers, and retailers. Our membership comprises a diverse group representing large corporations and growing business enterprises worldwide. As a trade association, APPA provides a wealth of products and programs designed to help its members prosper, including:

Industry Events

Our growing portfolio of events includes Global Pet Expo, the premier industry event for independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals, and The Pet Summit, delivering a curated education and networking for pet businesses through workshops, keynotes, and special events alongside Global Pet Expo.

Research & Insights

The American Pet Products Association aims to promote pet ownership and support pet businesses throughout periods of economic challenges and growth. Through our in-depth pet ownership research, we identify consumer trends and behaviors that help pet businesses reach their audiences.

Regulatory

The APPA Government Affairs team engages in regulatory activities through member cooperation and advocacy for the advancement of the pet industry.

APPA Gives Back

APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following APPA Gives Back initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Joybound People & Pets -- Pets and Vets Program, Pet Advocacy Network, and Pet Care Trust's Pets in the Classroom program.

Our work environment includes the following:

• Growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Work-from-home
• Pet-friendly workplace

The Opportunity:

There has never been a better time to be in the pet industry. With the increase in the number of pets in the country, 66% of U.S. households own a pet as of 2023. This has resulted in rapid industry growth to over $147B annually. Evidence-based research has demonstrated the human health benefits of pet ownership and the power of the human-animal bond.

That's why we're seeking a qualified Regional Sales Manager to be a part of the high-performing membership team at the American Pet Products Association. This role is essential for APPA's strategic growth and product development. The ability to nurture relationships with new and existing members and identify prospects who will benefit from our varied products and services is critical to success in this role. As the first line of communication with a member or prospect, you will be knowledgeable about the host of current products and services available and those in development. Your strengths include increasing sales of products to current members, forming new relationships to develop sales, researching leads and generating a pipeline, and closing sales to reach sales targets. Requirements of this role include being a quick learner with strong communication skills and the ability to showcase our offerings effectively. Every potential member is an opportunity to boost top-line revenue growth, acquisition levels, and profitability.

What you will be doing:

• Represent the association's products and services, using comprehensive knowledge, market research, and data to explain how our solutions meet customer needs.
• Nurture relationships with new and increase engagement with existing members.
• Manage and maintain a pipeline of interested prospects to drive future growth.
• Identify potential new sales opportunities that align with the association's strategy for growth.
• Implement best practices to deliver against sales goals and membership engagement metrics.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Member management on Nimble Association Management System [AMS] on the Salesforce platform.
• Proactively develop long-term, trusting relationships with members and prospects.
• Identify the needs of prospects and recommend appropriate products or services.
• Develop sales through calls, meetings, and attending trade shows.
• Report on sales metrics as requested: weekly, monthly, and quarterly results.

Required skills and qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven track record of success in sales, with experience selling events, research, media, or sponsorships preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with clients.
• Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to close deals and meet targets.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software.

What You Must Have:

• 3+ years of sales experience required
• Bachelor's Degree or additional related equivalent work experience

Additional Required Qualifications

• Goal-oriented and accustomed to being accountable for results.
• Experience managing product sales, services, and solutions.
• Leadership skills to bring stakeholders together; consensus builder and thought leader.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence business decisions and provide direction on multiple initiatives.
• Ability as a forward thinker and able to evolve customer experiences to a future state.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and passion for how pet product industry manufacturers work and think.
• Think strategically and tactically, as well as quickly grasp concepts and markets.
• Solid communication and presentation skills, comfortable speaking with senior leaders.
• Ability to multitask, be highly organized, detail-oriented, and perform under tight deadlines.
• Possess a high-energy and passionate outlook, which can positively influence those around them.
• Able to build a sense of trust and rapport that creates a comfortable and practical workplace.

Benefits

We offer a variety of benefits designed to keep you and your family physically and financially healthy. Not only do we offer a competitive salary and work-life balance, but we also offer benefits to match your needs:

• Annual base salary + commission opportunity
• Flexible work schedule
• Pet-friendly workplace
• Casual dress attire
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(K) with automatic employer contribution
• Generous time off programs
• Health Savings Account HSA/FSA/Dependent Care
• Growth Opportunities
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

APPA is committed to belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity. We are committed to intentionally and proactively creating pathways to success for historically underrepresented populations. To accomplish this, we foster a culture of belonging and inclusion so that every employee is valued and has the opportunity and ability to make an impact. APPA strives to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve in the makeup of our workforce.