Field Sampling Manager
Located in Greater Los Angeles Area – Full Time – Manager
1-10 Employees – Food & Beverage Services
About The Job:
Gorilla Energy, a top 10 global energy brand, is disrupting the energy category and launching in the US in 2024. Backed by expertise across various beverage brands, Gorilla Energy is a unique startup with a history of success in delivering great-tasting products with transparent ingredients and forging strong distribution partnerships. Join us as we grow and transform the energy drink market in the US!
The Field Sampling Manager (FSM) will be responsible for building and executing a national and local field sampling strategy, ensuring Gorilla Energy is introduced to consumers through engaging and effective in-person experiences. The FSM will also identify and partner with local events that align with the Gorilla brand strategy to maximize exposure and reach. This role is critical in establishing Gorilla Energy’s presence in the US market by driving product trials, building brand awareness, and developing strategic local partnerships.
We are expanding using a regional model where this role will report to the Regional Director of Sales & Distribution. The Field Sampling Manager will collaborate with our sibling company to present a unified interface to many of our distributors, enhancing our collective strength as one cohesive company. This person will help develop and execute sampling plans, ensuring effective distributor and retailer alignment. Significant potential for career advancement is available as the brand grows in the US.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and Manage National and Local Field Sampling Strategy: Design and lead the execution of a comprehensive field sampling program for Gorilla Energy, tailored to both regional and national campaigns.
- Identify and Partner with Local Events: Scout and collaborate with local events, festivals, and community activities that are in line with Gorilla’s brand values to provide high-impact sampling opportunities.
- Coordinate with sales and distribution teams to ensure sampling efforts align with sales objectives and physical product availability in key markets.
- Plan and Execute Sampling Events: Identify and activate key sampling opportunities, including events, store activations, festivals, and other high-traffic locations relevant to target consumers.
- Manage the logistics and execution of sampling programs, ensuring brand representatives are trained and prepared to deliver a positive consumer experience.
- Track and Report Results: Analyze the impact of sampling efforts, providing feedback to the national team on consumer reception, product performance, and areas for improvement.
- Act as the lead for field intelligence, sharing insights from on-the-ground interactions with consumers, competitors, and market conditions to inform broader marketing and sales strategies.
- Collaborate with the sales team to support product trials at retail locations and Off-Premise accounts to increase visibility and trial.
- Manage a team of direct reports (Field Marketing Specialists), overseeing training, development, and performance evaluations.
- Participate in regional and national team meetings, sharing ideas for program optimization and growth.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in developing and executing field sampling programs, ideally within the beverage or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
- Proven ability to identify and partner with local events that align with brand strategy and consumer demographics.
- Strong background in Direct Store Delivery (DSD) distributor management, with experience coordinating sampling efforts in collaboration with sales and distribution teams.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience managing a team, including training, performance evaluation, and development of direct reports.
- Experience working with Convenience & Grocery channel companies is preferred.
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive, self-starting mindset.
- Strong organizational and logistical skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and activations simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging both consumers and internal teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Position requires an average of 50% travel, primarily within the region.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000, up to $90,000 for highly experienced candidates with Field Sampling experience.
- Annual bonus potential of 15% of salary.
- Healthcare coverage through Aetna.
- $400/month vehicle allowance.
- $75/month cell phone and home office internet reimbursement.
- 401(k)
- Unlimited PTO
- Three weeks of vacation and eight holidays.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Gorilla Energy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Note: This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.