Distributor Manager

Position Summary: This role requires an experienced and dynamic Distributor Manager with a strong focus on inventory management and execution through the supply chain to retailer to ensure excellent service to our customers through third party distribution. This role involves developing distributor relationships, managing inventory at the DC level, deep industry knowledge, excellent communication and willingness to dig into the complexity of multiple distributor partnerships. This individual must also be a partner to the sales team, managing distributor relationships for the customer. Primary Job Responsibilities: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure product availability and 95%+ fill rates to retail customers Manage customer/distributor issue resolution with field sales team Own the credit tracking process to ensure timely payment cycles between Instinct and distributor, including monthly reporting Build and maintain strong relationships with distributor partners, leadership and warehouses Partner with supply chain to ensure efficient inventory management and stock level optimization that ladders into sales forecasting process Conduct regular distributor performance reviews and establish KPIs and mutual reporting mechanisms to track and monitor Develop and execute strategy to manage current distributor network with optimized inventory flow, including SKU prioritization at the DC level; innovation pipelines; promotional impacts to inventory Organize and participate in distributor trade shows that enhance brand visibility and distributor engagement Provide training and support to distributor sales representatives, ensuring brand prioritization and representation at retail and distributor programs that motivate distributor sales representatives Partner with Territory Sales Managers on key customers to ensure customer satisfaction with service Personal Attributes: Highly analytical with ability to translate into practical business outcomes Exceptional organization and time management Proactive and self-motivated with a results driven approach Strong relationship-building skills across organizational structures including leadership and warehouse staff Preferred Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or related field 5+ years of experience in distributor based sales, distributor management or inventory management preferably in the pet food industry A strong analytical mindset, with deep understanding of inventory management and distributor ways of working Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI as a strong plus Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills Knowledge of or aptitude for learning about basic animal nutrition Travel Requirements: 30-40% travel for visits to distribution HQ, warehouses, trade shows and related business events which may include occasional key customer meetings Annual travel to Lincoln, NE for Company Rally Compensation and Benefits Highly competitive compensation package includes health and dental insurance, life and AD&D insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, short and long-term disability, paid time off, Purpose Days off for company partner volunteer opportunities, and 401k with company match . Our Instinct is to  CHAMPION  Diversity At Instinct, we are as passionate about our people as we are about the pets we call family. We are committed to inclusion, empowerment, and respect. We believe that just like our pets, what sets us apart unleashes our greatest strengths. We thrive on the ability to not only empower people to transform the lives of pets through raw nutrition, but also to empower each other to inspire a culture that celebrates our differences. Our unique approach to pet food is what makes us who we are as a company, and our individual identities are what makes us a successful, innovative, authentic team.

---