Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer

Classification: Exempt

Location: Remote Possible

Job Level: S3 – Senior Specialist

Date: August 2024

Territory: EU, UK & Canada

Summary/Objective

The position is responsible for partnering and collaborating with Ruffwear’s international distributors to educate, sell, and support Ruffwear’s products and brand in a designated territory. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, this position manages and protects our brand reputation and commitment to our customers by consistently exceeding customers’ expectations and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within local markets. This role requires a blend of sales acumen, customer service excellence, and deep understanding of global marketplaces and the complexity of distribution.

Position Requirements

• Accountable for developing and implementing annual and 3-year sales strategies for international distribution to maximize sales revenue, expand into new markets, and meet profitability goals.
• Develop and execute annual revenue growth plans, including Gross Revenue, NOI, and necessary spend budget to achieve company goals in an ever-evolving market.
• Responsible for long-range and joint business planning according to the Go-to-Market (GTM) schedule.
• Prospect new business by identifying opportunities to open new accounts at a rate that increases net account distribution in the territory and aligns with Ruffwear’s sales strategy and growth targets.
• Negotiate with distributors and customers to maintain profitability in international markets.
• Communicate demand needs, future market event plans, and ongoing sales forecast adjustments with internal and external stakeholders to meet and exceed revenue targets.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to manage and improve inventory flow, order and shipping accuracy, logistics pricing, and business planning consistent with Ruffwear’s policies, programs and practices.
• Create and implement competitive pricing in local markets while maintaining profit margins, and continuously refine pricing strategy in response to changes in the global economy.
• Know and understand Ruffwear brand and product stories to effectively communicate brand messages.
• Implement seasonal Go-To-Market strategies by educating customers on marketing standards and brand guidelines, and partner with the Marketing team to include distributors in seasonal campaigns.
• Travel to meet with customers, attend trade shows and local market events, or conduct market research.
• Research and report on sales trends, data analysis, and market insights to inform sales projections, forecasts, and purchasing planning.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting (Ruffwear office or home office as necessary). This position frequently sets up and tears down visual displays and trade show booths, which requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).

Work Hours

Morning and/or evening hours may be required to work with distributors and accounts in different time zones.

Travel

International travel (2-4 trips per year) within the assigned territory is required. Occasional domestic travel may be required to attend sales meetings, trade shows, and consumer events.

Required Education and Experience

• 7+ years of experience in international sales, account management, or brand management.
• Demonstrated experience developing global pricing strategies.
• Expertise and thought leadership in retail assortment planning and/or merchandising.
• Fluent in English, and bilingual (writing and speaking) in French.
• Business and cultural acumen in the countries/regions within the assigned territory.
• Proficiency in data analysis, budget management, and purchase forecasting.
• Strong understanding of global market dynamics, regulations, and cultural nuances.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, possessing excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Google Suite, and Project Management software (Asana, Basecamp, Teamwork).
• Experience working with ERP or CRM systems (NetSuite preferred).
• Passion for dogs and first-hand understanding of the bond between canines and humans.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
• Experience managing accounts in the EU, United Kingdom, and/or Canada.
• Experience in the outdoor, pet, and/or consumer products industry.
• Passion for the outdoors and dogs.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Business Unusual

At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear. Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and is one of Outside Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work. Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds. We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet. Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive. Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains. Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the wellbeing and creativity of our pack. Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.

The Perks (Job Benefits):

We believe that our employees and their achievements drive our success and that rewards must be mutual. We always keep employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone in the Pack.

Base Salary:

$110,000- $120,000 annually

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks, as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Company-paid employee assistance plan, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability.
• 4 weeks of PTO to start – 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental, family and medical leave.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• 50% off Ruffwear products and additional outdoor gear discounts.
• Company performance bonus eligibility each quarter.
• Up to $500/year reimbursement for Wellness expenses.
• 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time each year.
• Month of Unleashed Discovery (sabbatical leave) every 5 years.
• 2 Field Days per year to test product samples with dogs in action.
• Annual company-wide outings and regular virtual/in-person events.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

As a mission-driven brand, Ruffwear is deeply committed to putting people first and creating a space where we can be our authentic self. We welcome, embrace, and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation.

We encourage you to apply regardless of your experience within the outdoor industry. At Ruffwear we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who are curious, collaborative, and treat others with respect and gratitude. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Ruffwear in our mission to foster canine and human connections outdoors. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!