Regional Sales Manager - West Coast

ABOUT KACE: 

KACE is a premium Taiwanese-Filipino fruit tea brand inspired by nostalgic Asian flavors. Cofounders Ash Yao and Kyle Gillaspy launched KACE Tea in late 2023 to create a beverage for the next generation of tea drinkers at the intersection of food and fashion - championing authentic tea flavors, in-person experiences, and creative self-expression. Join the team that’s reimagining what tea can be!

OUR VALUES:

We value authenticity. Our tea, our brand, our people - we exist because there isn’t a beverage or food brand that we feel represents who we are. 

We are creatives. Our love for food and creativity is deeply ingrained in our brand and our marketing. 

We are a community. “KACE” stands for Kyle, Ashley, Cindy, Emily. The people who were at the kitchen table when the company was born. Our name represents the idea of a chosen family. As our community grows, we want to create space for people to come together and create. 

LOCATION: 

This position requires candidates based in Los Angeles. Work will be hybrid, a mix of days in the field and days at the KACE Headquarters in Silverlake. 

THE ROLE:

The Regional Sales Manager - West Coast will be the first full-time sales hire at KACE Tea and they will report directly to the CEO. They will oversee KACE’s West Coast execution through the strategic management of external partners and the creation of an internal Sales Team. The RSM is responsible for maximizing sales and distribution across all channels of business by 

1. Managing DSD partners and key retailers
2. Introducing KACE Tea Product Lines and ensuring successful consumer adoption 
3. Designing and executing strategic plans to expand to new territories 
4. Reporting execution against regional goals. 

The RSM’s strategic leadership of the West Coast will have a direct impact on the achievement of company and regional goals.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

• Oversee multiple DSD partners with a focus on fostering relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Lead the team to exceed goals by providing day-to-day coaching, deploying business solutions, and offering sales development through trade training days.
• Manage key regional customer relationships (DSD partners and retailers), including communication of new item authorizations, category reviews, void management, chain activation, performance tracking, and data utilization to improve overall performance.
• Design and communicate execution expectations for all promotional activities at the store level.
• Utilize weekly reporting to develop KPI’s, void closures, and growth opportunities.
• Design and implement KPIs, incentives, and programming with effective tracking mechanisms in place.

WHAT YOU BRING: 

• Cultural and geographic knowledge of the LA and surrounding area.
• Proven ability to drive an immediate impact on a sales team and growth in alignment with profit and brand-building goals.
• Food & Beverage sales and business acumen with the ability to scale a distributor and exceed volume expectations.
• Commitment to representing the brand and company with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Experience opening accounts, managing large and small format account bases, and negotiating and closing deals.
• A desire to succeed, passion for brand building, and a strong work ethic with the ability to adapt to the fast-paced needs of the Sales team.
• Dependable, decisive, and highly organized with the ability to manage competing responsibilities and prioritize opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with key stakeholders across all levels, internally and externally
• High levels of agency, detail-oriented, and relentlessly resourceful, with a focus on doing it right vs. getting it done.

YOUR BACKGROUND:

• 3+ years of sales experience in the food & beverage industry with prior DSD management experience.
• Experience leading sales teams and managing key partners (DSD and retailers) to exceed goals.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook)
• Valid state driver’s license for the posted state or territory, and reliable transportation in accordance with State requirements for motor vehicles. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel requirements: 80% Southern California, 10% Northern California, and 10% throughout the West Coast
• Some lifting and the movement of moderate loads require 50-pound lifting requirement.
• Willingness to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, based on business demands.
• The ability to sit, stand, walk, and type for long periods of time.
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.
• The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.? 

BONUS if you can speak Mandarin!

COMPENSATION: 

Our comprehensive compensation package plays a big part in how we recognize you for the impact you have on our path to achieving our mission. For this role, the estimated base salary range is between $65,000- $80,000. This role will also be eligible for commission. The actual base salary will vary based on various factors, including market and individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process. The listed range above is a guideline, and the base salary range for this role may be modified. 

At KACE Tea, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.? 

KACE Tea is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.