Raju Chuganey

• Sales Strategy and Execution: Identify, prioritize, and implement strategic plans to achieve revenue targets and market expansion objectives
• Led and motivated a team of brokers to drive performance to achieve the annual sales goal of 1MM lbs
• Delivered
• Distributor, Retailer, Key Account Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, wholesalers, and retailers in the region
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotional programs to secure placement and increase sales in key accounts and distribution partners
• Train and support distributors (Sysco, US FOODS, Independents) and retailers on product knowledge, brand positioning, and sales techniques
• Conduct regular business reviews with broker team, distribution partners, and key accounts to assess performance and identify growth opportunities
• Market Analysis and Insights: Market knowledge regarding market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify new opportunities and potential threats
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on market analysis and sales data
• Monitor sales performance and financial metrics to track progress against targets and adjust strategies as needed.

• Develop and manage sales funnel to drive new business; expand and penetrate current accounts to exceed sale growth targets, distribution goals, and margin requirements
• Leverage internal sales data insights to identify sales issues and opportunities to maximize profit
• Taking a consultative approach, conducting business performance reviews to track, monitor, and develop cost-effective strategies to drive volume and profitability
• Maximize broker and manufacturer partnerships for new business prospecting and to drive penetration performance
• Secure and conduct sales meetings with decision makers of large chain accounts, multi-location, and single-operator locations to launch new programming, brand, and product training
• Foster and maintain strong internal relationships with cross-functional groups to assist with new customer onboarding regarding products, applications, credit terms, and deliveries
• Planning & scheduling in field work-withs provide follow-up reporting.

• Prospect and establish long-term relationships within distributor/retailer sales network delivering 'business back' and being the 'go-to-person' for product and brand details
• Exceeded forecasted sales goals, increasing distribution by 35% in assigned territory using syndicated data sources
• Develop and execute marketing promotional programs to penetrate with additional products through cross-sells and upsells to increase velocity
• Manage trade promotions and deal entries
• Ensure consistent merchandising, brand visibility, and inventory levels through in-store visits, educate on brands and products by leading staff training
• Maintain strong internal relationships with cross-functional (warehouse, inventory, accounting) teams
• Provide detailed reports to sales leadership containing sales goals, forecasts, and anticipated inventory needs
• Responsible for timely completion of all administrative reporting duties, scheduling, customer follow-up, and being proactive with any customer issues.

· I lost my job in April 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic crisis, which left the business with little to no income. During my time at AWAKE CHOCOLATE, I delivered a 10% growth in sales and launched new initiative that increased productivity by 8%, saving the company money while improving outputs.

· With so many left without jobs during the pandemic, finding a new position was difficult. While I continued to apply for suitable jobs to restart my career, I became proficient in CRM systems and video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, I was the primary in-home caregiver for my two senior parents and two-year-old daughter.

• Responsible for driving new business, developing, and forecasting $2.5MM annual sales plan
• Negotiate prices and promotions for regional programs for the various channels (Foodservice, Micromarket, Vending, & Specialty Retail)
• Responsible for assigned territory's sales targets, distribution goals, and margin requirements
• Manage broker sales team to maximize sales growth across 25 state territory (West Coast & Northeast Coast)
• Leverage syndicated data and internal sales insights to identify sales issues and opportunities
• Conduct consultative business performance reviews with key accounts to drive volume and profitability
• Maximize partnerships to drive improved performance with multiple re-distributors (Vistar (PFG), UNFI, DOT FOODS, Sysco)
• Sales calls to corporate regional headquarters and branch level for various entities Foodbuy/Compass Group, USG, Sodexo, and Aramark both large and small independent business organizations
• Foster strong internal relationships with cross-functional teams to assist in the development and execution of account plans
• Executive level of reporting in the form of sales and marketing plans, budgets, margin updates, sales, KPI indicators
• Develop, forecast, and manage annual sales and annual trade marketing budgets.

• Territory growth exceeding 30% year over year in multi-state Northwest Territory consisting of more than 35 nationally branded food and non-food manufacturers including Snyder's-Lance, KETTLE, KIND, Kellogg's, MARS, Smuckers, Jack Links, Chobani, Pepsico, and Crystal Mountain, USA-TECH, 365 RETAIL
• Sales presentations utilizing data and insights for marketplace initiatives and promotions to drive volume and revenue in key assigned accounts
• Manufacturer liaison to develop distributors to provide consultative solutions to increase sales, brand exposure, and maximize brand performance within key accounts: Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Nike, and Amazon which generated multimillion-dollar revenue
• Onboard new manufactures by coaching for success and develop channel strategies for annual operating/growth plans by leveraging consumer and category insights
• Establish relationships with key distributors through portfolio training, trade functions, and business reviews to operating entities: Foodbuy/Compass Group, USG, Sodexo, & Aramark, and small independent businesses.

• Leveraged and implemented value-added top penetration opportunities leading to additional growth of over $2.2M
• Effectively managing brokers, suppliers, corporate partners, and customers through virtual portal and face-to-face sales tactics to convert high-quality penetration opportunities into new business
• Implementing national/local sales campaigns and regional events aligning with overall business strategy
• New account by growth utilizing market databases, leads from existing clients, attending trade shows and conferences
• Keen knowledge of market conditions; competitors' product innovations, products, prices, and sales
• Marketing/Communication: Increased local marketing program that earned over 200% additional annual revenue exceeding $100K; created collateral (digital and hard)
• Team collaboration to manage the annual marketing budget and ensure the promotional calendar is developed and maintained and appropriate inventory logistics are in place to support promotions.