No Relocation Assistance Offered
Location: Varese, Lombardia, Italy
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a $2.3 billion global division of Colgate-Palmolive Company and maker of Prescription Diet, Science Diet, and Healthy Advantage brand pet foods. Our mission is to enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets by providing leading-edge pet nutrition technology, products, and expertise to pet owners, veterinary professionals and other key pet professionals worldwide. This role is based in Lombardia North / West (primarily Varese and Novara provinces) and does not offer relocation assistance.
Job Summary
The Hill’s Sales Manager (SM) is responsible for growing Hill’s business (sales, distribution, market share and BRMO - Brand Recommended Most Often) in the assigned territory. The Sales Manager manages customers, including veterinary clinics and specialty pet retail stores, in the territory and ensures Hill’s is the strategic partner of choice to gain support to grow Hill’s business.
What you will do
* Product Knowledge: Develop and maintain high standards of knowledge in small animal nutrition, Hill’s and competitors’ products through company training and self-study.
* Territory Management: Achieve territory sales targets by managing orders and collections through effective visits with customers, handling all commercial/financial aspects, and engaging internal stakeholders. Review potential of accounts annually. Identify new accounts and establish strong presence and endorsement for Hill’s brands. Maintain accurate records in the Hill’s reporting system. Leverage company tools to drive execution (Product Distribution, Detailing material, Staff Feeding, Sampling, Trial, etc.).
* Clinic / Store Business Development: Develop deep knowledge of customers’ business and organization; build a network with key decision makers/influencers in vet practices and specialty stores in the assigned territory. Provide best-in-class professional support (detailing, in-clinic/store seminars, technical training, merchandising) and collaborate with the Pet Vet Affairs (PVA) team for effective planning and participation in activities. Identify opportunities and develop technical and business propositions that meet needs, leading to BRMO leadership. Manage multi-store customers and specific needs. Implement commercial activities to ensure awareness, full distribution and active endorsement by the veterinary profession and store staff; achieve rapid product acceptance, endorsement and distribution of new products; establish shelf space and appropriate inventory in each store.
* Business & Financial Management: Monitor achievement of territory objectives vs targets and adapt strategies to changing business conditions. Manage meetings and conferences (trade shows, local/national meetings, client meetings, clinic/store events).
Education / Experience Required
* Master's degree in Veterinary, Animal Science or equivalent.
* Minimum 2–3 years of relevant experience (nutrition company, veterinary industry or pharmaceutical company).
Additional Competencies / Skills
* Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
* Strong selling, negotiation and closing abilities.
* Customer orientation and problem-solving attitude.
* Strong time management, planning/prioritization, and budget management skills.
* Proficient computer skills and ability to learn company tools and programs.
* Fluent in Italian; good English required.
* Valid driver’s license.
Working Relationships
* Reports to Field Sales Manager.
* The role does not have direct reports.
* Works closely with Commercial Teams including Marketing and Professional Veterinary Affairs.
VISA NOT SPONSORED
Location: Lombardia North / West (based in the provinces of Varese or Novara).
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