Shalara B. Wells
Overland Park,KS
Summary
Customer and business development professional bringing valuable experience in driving customer-centric strategies and fostering long-term internal and external relationships. Known for collaboration and agility to changing needs while ensuring reliable outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Customer Development Manager
Integrated Proteins
Remote
07.2025 - Current
- Develop new and existing strategic partnerships to diversify customer base while growing volume, revenue, and margin
- Facilitate pricing negotiations for annual, quarterly, and spot contracts with an emphasis on KPIs
- Drive company and brand awareness throughout the pet food ingredients industry
- Collaborate with internal teams on go to market initiatives and process improvements
Business Development Manager
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
Overland Park, KS
04.2023 - 06.2025
- In 2024, delivered $594.6M in net sales (+2.6% vs PY), 62.3% share (+110 bps vs PY), and grew margin +397 bps vs PY
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategies, establish KPIs, and optimize resource allocation to achieve business objectives while increasing sales, market penetration, and financial return
- Maximize productivity and maintain team focus by overseeing budgets, forecasts, resources, and timelines
- Implement processes to improve financial, marketing, and forecasting efficiency and effectiveness
- Foster symbiotic partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Promote a culture of authenticity and continuous improvement within the team
Territory Manager
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
Kansas City, MO
03.2018 - 03.2023
- Developed collaborative partnerships with 120+ veterinary clinics and pet stores to boost sales, volume, share, product distribution, BUMO, and BRMO
- Crafted customized marketing and actionable strategies to align with company, territory, and account objectives
- Conducted educational seminars on nutrition, brand differentiation, and protocol implementation
Veterinary Assistant
Animal Care Clinic
Lexington, KY
09.2017 - 02.2018
- Supported veterinarians during surgeries, dental procedures, and appointments
- Administered medications, vaccinations, and ran diagnostics according to veterinarian's treatment plan
Veterinary Technician
Woodford Humane Society
Versailles, KY
03.2016 - 08.2017
- Administered medications and vaccinations to a minimum of 70 animals weekly
- Counseled potential adopters and assisted in animal placement
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Papa John's Pizza
Louisville, KY
07.2016 - 05.2017
- Conducted extensive research of the pizza and food industries to create actionable strategies combating fast casual and regional pizza chain growth
- Piloted software to improve forecasting and ingredient ordering
Research Assistant
USDA-ARS
Lexington, KY
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Analyzed digestibility and nutritive value of various forages for government research
- Supervised the nutrition and well-being of 6 goats and 40 cattle
Education
MBA -
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05-2016
Skills
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Organizational Skills
- Customer Development
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation
- Key Account Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Public Speaking and Presentations
Timeline
Regional Customer Development Manager
Integrated Proteins
07.2025 - Current
Business Development Manager
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
04.2023 - 06.2025
Territory Manager
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
03.2018 - 03.2023
Veterinary Assistant
Animal Care Clinic
09.2017 - 02.2018
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Papa John's Pizza
07.2016 - 05.2017
Veterinary Technician
Woodford Humane Society
03.2016 - 08.2017
Research Assistant
USDA-ARS
05.2015 - 08.2015
MBA -
University of Kentucky
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
University of Kentucky
Leadership and Awards
- Hill's Black Leadership Network Executive Board (March 2021-June 2025): Executive Co-Lead, Professional Development Co-Chair
- 2022 Hill's Commercial Excellence: Commit to Impact Award Recipient
- 2022 and 2021 Hill's Buddy Award Recipient
- 2020 Hill's West Field MVP
- 2019 Hill's West Rookie of the Year