The
Route Sales District Manager (RSDM) is responsible for leading, coaching, and driving performance across a team of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) sales representatives within an assigned district. This role requires extensive hands-on experience in grocery, convenience, and chain retail environments, with a strong understanding of store-level execution, route sales management, and customer relationships. The DSM ensures sales growth, flawless execution, and adherence to company standards while developing a high-performing sales team.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, coach, and develop a team of DSD sales representatives to achieve volume, revenue, and distribution goals
- Drive execution of sales initiatives, promotions, pricing, and merchandising standards
- Analyze sales data, KPIs, and route performance to identify opportunities and corrective actions
- Execute district-level plans that align with company sales strategies and objectives
- Maintain strong relationships with key grocery, convenience, and chain account decision-makers
- Partner with chain account managers to ensure compliance with authorized items, pricing, planograms, and promotions
- Conduct regular store visits to ensure in-stock levels, shelf placement, displays, and overall execution meet company standards
- Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally while protecting company interests
- Oversee route efficiency, coverage, and productivity across the district
- Ensure compliance with DSD operational standards, inventory controls, and cash accountability
- Collaborate with warehouse, transportation, and operations teams to support service levels and growth
- Support new item launches, resets, and major promotional rollouts
- Recruit, onboard, train, and retain top-performing sales talent
- Conduct regular ride-alongs, performance reviews, and coaching sessions
- Hold team members accountable to sales targets, service standards, and company policies
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Prepare and submit accurate sales forecasts, performance reports, and action plans
- Manage district budgets, expenses, and resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and legal requirements
Qualifications- 5+ years of progressive sales experience in a DSD environment
- 3+ years of sales management experience, preferably as a District or Area Sales Manager
- Extensive experience working with grocery, convenience, and chain retail accounts
- Strong understanding of route sales, merchandising, pricing, promotions, and retail execution
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales teams
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and sales reporting tools; SAP experience preferred
- Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel within the district
Preferred Qualifications- Background in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries
- Experience working with national or regional chain accounts
Physical & Travel Requirements- Frequent travel within the district, including daily store visits
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings and occasional weekends
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required for store visits
