Sales Consultant - Midwest Region

Must reside within close proximity to a major metropolitan airport to support business travel requirements.

Compensation includes a starting base salary of $95,000, plus commission.

FUNCTION
The Sales Consultant is responsible for growing and managing a designated wholesale specialty territory by developing strong retail partnerships, driving sales growth, and representing the Vera Bradley brand. This role balances servicing existing accounts with proactively identifying and opening new specialty retailers that align with the brand strategy.

Serving as the primary field representative for Vera Bradley, the Sales Consultant partners with independent retailers to optimize assortments, improve sell-through, elevate merchandising, and deliver an exceptional brand experience. Through consultative selling and regular in-person visits, the Sales Consultant helps retailers grow their business while expanding Vera Bradley's presence throughout the territory.

This position follows a structured travel schedule, alternating approximately one week traveling throughout the territory with one week working remotely from a home office to support customers, analyze business, prepare for travel, and prospect new opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manage and grow an assigned multi-state wholesale specialty territory through strategic account management and new business development.
• Develop trusted partnerships with independent specialty retailers by providing exceptional service and business consultation.
• Conduct regular in-store visits to review business performance, identify opportunities, and support retail success.
• Present seasonal collections and assist retailers in developing assortments that maximize sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to make recommendations that improve sell-through.
• Train store associates on product knowledge, selling techniques, and seasonal marketing initiatives.
• Provide visual merchandising guidance to ensure stores present the Vera Bradley brand consistently and effectively.
• Plan and execute in-store events and activations that drive consumer engagement.
• Identify, prospect, and open new specialty retail accounts that align with Vera Bradley's distribution strategy.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified prospective accounts and execute a disciplined territory growth plan.
• Utilize CRM and sales reporting tools to document customer interactions, opportunities, and sales activity.
• Attend trade shows, sales meetings, store events and training programs as required.
• Represent Vera Bradley professionally while acting as a brand ambassador within the territory.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in sales, business administration or related field or equivalent experience
• 3+ years business management experience preferably in fashion accessories, or specialty retail sales is preferred
• Experience and knowledgeable with tools such as a CRM, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point or related tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong PC skills utilizing Microsoft Office
• Strong initiative/self-direction
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Strong team player
• Proven problem solving and analytical skills
• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills
• Ability to build and maintain good rapport with internal and external customers and handle situations with confidence, tact and resourcefulness

ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment.  Utilizing an office desk – sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones
• Frequent travel to visit retailers in assigned territory

We are proud of the competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefit package provided to our associates and their families. Our compensation package is designed to meet our associates today and help them plan for the future.

Health Benefits

Vera Bradley offers a variety of medical, dental and vision programs to meet your family’s health care needs.

• Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan

• Dental

• Vision

• Flexible spending accounts

Survivor Benefits

Life insurance provides peace of mind for your family should the unexpected happen.

• Employer provided 2X your salary in life insurance

• Accidental Death and Disability insurance

• Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse and your children

Income Protection  

If you are unable to work due to illness or injury Vera Bradley provides several programs to protect your income at no cost to you.

• Short-term disability

• Long-term disability

Retirement Plan

The Vera Bradley 401k plan helps you accumulate savings for retirement

• 401k with generous company match, immediate vesting (age and service requirement)

• Strong line up of professionally managed funds

• Safe-harbor plan design

Paid Time Off  

Enjoy generous time off programs.

• Earn up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year of employment with opportunity to earn more

• 9 paid holidays a year

• Paid bereavement leave

Give Back Opportunities  

Vera Bradley offers the opportunity to serve your community.

•        Voluntary Time Off

Holistic Wellness

• Access to a variety of financial, physical, and mental wellness experts

• Employee Assistance Program with access to work/life wellness support including no cost unlimited telephonic counseling services 

• Opportunities for leadership development, skill development and career advancement 

Product Discount

• Generous employee discount on Vera Bradley products 

Ancillary Benefits and Programs

• Bonus opportunity, identity protection, legal services, pet insurance, cell phone discount, employee referral bonus, annual birthday gift, DailyPay, corporate fitness facility and individual policies through Aflac

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled

Vera Bradley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. 

Vera Bradley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

For more information, please click the following links:

Vera Bradley's Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in English)

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in Spanish)

Pay Transparency (in English)

Pay Transparency (in Spanish)

E-Verify Participation Poster

Right to Work Poster (English)

Right to Work Poster (Spanish)

California Privacy Notice

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment application process, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  Please include the accommodation you are requesting and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation and other EEO/Affirmative Action issues will be responded to from this e-mail address.

Our intention is to fill this opening within 30 days of the original posting date and applications will be accepted on an on-going basis until the position is filled.

Base Pay Range:

$89,900.00

to

$123,650.00

Vera Bradley’s compensation ranges are based on market data and comply with all local, state and federal regulations. Individual pay within the listed range depends on work location, skills, experience, and relevant education. The posted salary reflects base pay only and excludes bonuses, equity, or other incentives, if applicable.