Petfood Sales Manager

WATT Global Media

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Petfood Sales Manager

Reports To: National Sales Director - Petfood

Department: Sales                           

Prepared By: Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Prepared: 09/24/26

SUMMARY

Responsible for B-2-B account management of marketing communication programs, digital advertising, digital event sponsorships and magazine display advertising.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and sells digital/magazine advertising and solutions to B-2-B clients including website banner ads, native advertising programs, audience extension programs, audience targeted messaging, eblasts, white paper programs, e-newsletter advertising, webinar sponsorships, marketing services, video programs, live event booths and sponsorships and magazine display advertising.
• Develop sales strategy for all accounts utilizing Selling the WATT Way methods including pipeline management with specific value messaging to increase sales revenues.
• Creates customized proposals and sales presentations to support the sales objectives with industry information and value messaging options designed to provide individualized programs for prospects and clients.
• Meets weekly or as needed to discuss annual revenue forecasts for print, digital/on-line, event sponsorship, live event booths, special projects, and all other related products.
• Establishes goals and objectives to increase page and revenue share with assigned accounts.
• Participates in developing and contributing to value messaging for all products and services.
• Updates Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system with information from client contact such as call reports, contact reports and communication whether they occur in-person or remotely.
• Develops monthly plan for account coverage via in-person travel, attending industry meetings in person or remotely maintaining a consistent open dialog with clients and prospects.
• Maintains and updates complimentary and promotional mailing lists as well as utilize sales aids, market, and media information, and in order to make effective use in sales dialog with clients and prospects.
• Prospects on a consistent basis to build an actionable pipeline by reading competitive magazines, websites, eNewsletters; attending industry trade shows and meetings and accessing online tracking tool MediaRadar.
• Provides the National Sales Director of Petfood with ideas and competitive data on market and advertiser conditions as requested in connection with publication planning, sales strategy, sales presentations, and account base strategy.
• Maintains customer service correspondence, conducts closing sales efforts to meet deadlines and coordinates with production the retrieval of client materials as needed.
• Maintain travel expenses within budget and submit expenses within two weeks of business travel via Expensify.
• Prepares travel plans, in advance of each business trip, and sends plans to National Sales Director, Petfood for approval.
• Assist Accounting/Accounts Receivable department with credit and collection matters.
• Collaborates with Editors on providing editorial support (product/press releases, etc.) for clients and any editorial opportunities that may be appropriate. Keep Editor(s), and National Sales Director Petfood informed about subjects and issues of current interest to the industry.
• Collaborates company-wide with all employees to achieve the overall company objectives.
• Develop relationships with industry, trade, and professional groups as necessary in order to fulfill Company objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts Degree with emphasis in Business, Marketing, or Advertising.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

Minimum five years direct sales experience – Marketing/Advertising/Communications with direct experience and knowledge of digital products and terminology, live and digital event sponsorships sales and magazine ad sales.

Proven record of account development and revenue goal attainment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs (PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, Outlook) Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, CRM Platforms, Trello, Viva Engage, BambooHR, Paylocity, and other programs as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Proficiency in AI tools including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or others to drive sales results.    

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Communicate with internal and external customers, face-to-face and on the telephone and correspond by using voice, email or letter/memo.
• Sit, stand, bend and stoop.
• Travel approximately up to 30% domestically

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE). Works in virtual team environment where culture, distance, time, and language are considerations to effective working relationships.

• Works from home office.
• Works from Rockford office, clean, well-lighted area with access to up-to date technology and equipment.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal – Works with all WATT staff

External – Current and potential clients, vendors, suppliers, others as needed.