Regional Business Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Remote– Midwest Region (Preferably Chicago Area)

About Riviana Foods Inc.

Riviana Foods Inc. is a world class leader in the rice sector and is America’s largest processor, marketer, and distributor of branded and private label rice products. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence. Key brands include Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, Colusa Rose®, Carolina®, Comet®, Gourmet House®, Mahatma®, Minute®, River®, RiceSelect®, Sello Rojo®, Success® and Water Maid®. Riviana Foods is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a multinational food group operating in the rice, pasta and sauces sectors. Based in Spain, Ebro Foods has commercial and/or industrial presence in more than 25 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, through its extensive network of subsidiaries and brands. Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success.  As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader in rice sector, we take a world view of the rice business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company.
 

About the Role

The Regional Business Manager represents Riviana Foods with customers and broker partners as a trusted business partner. They are responsible for achieving Riviana’s revenue, profit, and market share goals by providing strong leadership, developing effective strategies and business plans, using fact‑based selling, and ensuring excellent execution.
 

What You’ll Do

• Develop the strategic and tactical “blue print” for the business within their specific marketing region/territory.  Conduct periodic market and store visits to drive sales/marketing strategy performance.
• Actively participate in the goal to make the Riviana Foods sales team world class in the field.  Include conducting annual broker reviews to maintain “A” players, utilizing innovative strategies to driving business results and deliver the company’s revenue, profit, and market share goals within budget.
• Build and maintain positive contact/business relationships with customers, brokers and account representatives in order to facilitate solid forward thinking results oriented partnerships. 
• Lead the account planning process and periodic customer business reviews.  Develop and implement comprehensive sales presentations to promote and generate sales consistent with customer potential.
• Partner with broker representatives and serve as a resource for market growth opportunities, proposals and programs.  Assume a lead role in contract negotiations, presentations, and sales closings.  
• Work as leader of cross-functional teams to ensure dedication to customer support in order to maintain quality service and a constant supply of products to all accounts. 
• Stay informed of new products, marketing strategies and services of competitors.  Provide such information to company and broker representatives appropriately.  
• Manage performance and trade marketing funds in accordance with budget allocation.  
• Actively participate in the sales team’s strategic operational and financial success by adopting and implementing proven fact based selling techniques, analysis, and reporting, utilizing Circana and other reputable industry resources to make recommendations and develop action plans.
• Manage all administrative tasks associated with business unit requirements from a data driven fact-based orientation.
• Provide supervisory oversight and leadership for broker partners, performing the lead role for all sales and execution activities within the assigned region.

What We’re Looking For

• 5 - 10 years consumer goods sales and/or marketing with a minimum of 3 - 5 years of broker management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree (Business, Marketing preferred) or approved equivalent preferred.
• Proven leadership with the ability to guide teams and drive results.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and project management skills.
• Advanced conceptual, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Results‑oriented mindset with sound judgment and strong decision‑making.
• Solid understanding of sales financials and supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of consumer trends and their impact on the food industry.
• Demonstrated ability to identify business opportunities and respond to market changes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a history of building effective broker and customer relationships.
• Ability to influence through indirect reporting relationships.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of fact‑based selling, category management, consumer goods, and sales/marketing practices.
• Strong quantitative skills and proficiency with data tools (Circana/IRI or similar).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong trade relations experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Working Condition
The physical requirements listed below represent those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

The incumbent must be able to:

• Travel frequently (approximately 50%) via car and/or airplane to customer locations.
• Sit for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Physically inspect product in retail stores and various outlets.
• Access and navigate grocery stores and supermarkets.
• Carry and transport presentation materials (10–20 lbs).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.  This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.