**DESCRIPTION** As an **Outside Sales Representative** , you’ll be the face of our brands in the marketplace—building relationships, driving distribution, and growing sales across independent retail stores. You’ll combine **consultative selling** , **in‑store execution** , and **hands‑on merchandising** to ensure our products win at shelf and with buyers. **RESPONSIBILITIES** + **Manage and grow a defined sales territory** , visiting assigned independent retail stores **at least monthly** to build relationships, identify opportunities, and drive consistent results. + **Sell and present new products** to store buyers, secure authorizations, and expand distribution across existing and new items. + **Present promotional programs and sales initiatives** , securing orders, off‑shelf displays, and incremental merchandising whenever possible. + **Plan promotions collaboratively with buyers** , working up to **three months in advance** to align on timing, volume, and execution. + **Execute monthly priorities** set by business managers for each client, ensuring focus on the right brands, items, and growth opportunities. + **Enter turnover orders for all store visits** , accurately submitting orders through internal systems so distributors can fulfill deliveries on time. + **Maintain full distribution and strong shelf presence** by verifying items are carried, displays are in place, and plan‑o‑grams are executed correctly. + **Provide light merchandising support** as needed, including stocking shelves, rotating inventory, cleaning displays, pricing items, and checking date codes. + **Support special store initiatives and events** , such as demos, anniversary sales, trade events, remodels, expansions, and new store openings. + **Monitor competitive activity and in‑store trends** , sharing insights, issues, and opportunities with internal teams and client partners. + **Build and maintain strong relationships** with store buyers, managers, and regional client contacts to drive long‑term success. + **Stay knowledgeable on all products** , including new launches, features, and selling points, to confidently represent our brands in every interaction. + **Handle additional duties as assigned** , contributing to team goals and overall business performance. **QUALIFICATIONS** **Education & Experience** + **High School Diploma or GED required** . + **2+ years of outside sales and/or retail experience** , preferably calling on independent stores or managing a defined sales territory. + Experience selling, merchandising, or supporting products in a **retail or CPG environment** is strongly preferred. **Sales & Relationship Skills** + Strong **face‑to‑face selling skills** with the ability to build rapport and credibility with store buyers and managers. + Comfortable presenting **new items, promotions, and programs** , and securing orders and display commitments. + Organized and self‑motivated, with the ability to **plan routes, manage priorities, and work independently** in the field. + Effective communicator who can share **store issues, competitive activity, and market trends** with internal teams and client partners. **Physical & Travel Requirements** + Ability to **lift up to 60 pounds** and perform physical merchandising tasks throughout the workday. + **Valid driver’s license** and ability to drive for extended periods across the assigned territory. + Willingness and ability to **travel overnight as needed** and work **weekends, nights, and holidays** , including demos and food shows. + Comfortable working in **cold environments** , including refrigerated and freezer sections of retail stores. + Ability to **stand and/or walk for long periods** , and perform frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pulling, and grasping. **Tools & Functional Abilities** + Able to operate standard field and office equipment, including **hand trucks, pallet jacks, case cutters** , and common office devices. + Strong manual dexterity, vision, and hearing required to safely and effectively perform daily responsibilities. \#DiscoverYourPath **ABOUT US** Acosta is a part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey. Specializing in retail sales services, digital strategy, and business intelligence, Acosta empowers brands to thrive in the world of omnichannel shopping. Our sales and digital teams build lasting relationships, ensuring our client brands get the space they deserve in stores and outperform the competition online, while our merch reps make brands shine in retail locations across the world. But it’s not just about what we do – it’s about who we are. With a team of over 20,000 associates, we’re a community of forward-thinking, value-driven professionals committed to an unmatched level of trust and transparency in the industry. And, we understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why many of our field roles provide our associates with flexible scheduling options. Join us and be a part of a team that values growth and making a real impact for our clients, retail partners and their customers. Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact AskHR@acosta.com. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request. Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting. The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant, please use the link provided to access information on our use of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov) By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use. **\#DiscoverYourPath** Acosta, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer **Job Category:** Retail **Position Type:** Full time **Business Unit:** Sales **Salary Range:** $37,400.00 - $41,000.00 **Company:** Acosta Employee Holdco LLC **Req ID:** 21864 **Employer Description:** ACOSTA\_EMP\_DESC