5+ years of CPG sales experience in grocery retail accounts
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred
Proven experience managing brokers and distributors (e.g., UNFI, KeHE)
Strong analytical skills with Nielsen/IRI proficiency
Financial acumen with P&L management experience
Ability to influence without authority and lead cross-functional initiatives
Willingness to travel 30%-50% within the assigned region
Responsibilities
Develop and execute annual, quarterly, and monthly business plans to achieve targets
Serve as the lead contact for Retail/Distributor headquarters to secure new item authorizations
Direct and manage third-party broker teams for compliance and execution
Manage the trade spend budget to ensure ROI and negotiate pricing
Utilize syndicated data to analyze performance and identify opportunities
Conduct store audits to ensure merchandising compliance and proper pricing
Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams for demand forecasting
Benefits
100% remote work with occasional travel to Baton Rouge, LA
Frequent travel to customer locations
Opportunity to lead sales and distribution growth in a dynamic market
Engagement with major grocery retailers and distributors
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
Full Job Description
DESCRIPTION
Job is 100% Remote with occasional travel to the Baton Rouge, LA office and frequent travel to customer locations
Job Summary
We are seeking a high-energy, results-driven Regional Sales Manager to lead sales and distribution growth for our product portfolio across the Midwest grocery channel. You will be responsible for driving profitable volume growth, managing relationships with retail headquarters and brokers, and ensuring best-in-class in-store execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a "roll-up-the-sleeves" attitude, proficient in using syndicated data (Nielsen/IRI) to drive decision-making and maximize trade spend ROI.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Growth: Develop and execute annual, quarterly, and monthly business plans to achieve volume, revenue, and profit targets for the region.
Key Account Management: Serve as the lead point of contact for Retail/Distributor headquarters (e.g., Kroger, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Kehe) to secure new item authorizations, expanded distribution, and optimal shelf placement.
Broker & Distributor Management: Direct and manage third-party broker teams to ensure compliance with account plans, retail execution, and promotional strategies.
Trade Spend Management: Manage the trade spend budget to ensure ROI, overseeing deductions, and negotiating pricing within company guardrails.
Data-Driven Insights: Utilize syndicated data (Nielsen/IRI/SPINS) and internal customer portals to analyze performance, identify opportunities, and mitigate competitive risks.
In-Store Execution: Maintain a strong in-person presence in the market, conducting store audits to ensure merchandising compliance, and proper pricing.
Internal Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to forecast demand, resolve service issues, and align on product launches.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 5+ years of CPG sales experience on the food manufacturer side, with direct responsibility for grocery retail accounts.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
