The Sales Director is responsible for achieving sales performance and profitable growth within the Southeast Region. This position executes established sales strategies, maintains effective customer and broker relationships, and implements disciplined sales planning and in-market execution in support of Sunsweet's long-term business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities described below are representative of the nature and level of work performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as business needs require.
- Directs day-to-day sales execution for the assigned region/customer(s) to achieve annual volume, revenue, and profitability objectives.
- Serves as the primary business contact for assigned customers and broker partners, including business planning, promotional alignment, and issue resolution.
- Implements customer-specific sales plans that are aligned with divisional priorities and national sales strategy.
- Prepares and maintains account plans, forecasts, and sales tactics intended to increase distribution, shelf presence, promotional activity, and product velocity.
- Administers regional promotional spending, market development funds (MDF), and approved trade programs to support effective resource utilization and return on investment (ROI).
- Communicates and executes company programs, promotions, and new product initiatives with customers and broker partners in a timely and accurate manner.
- Coordinates with broker partners to support in-store execution, compliance, and performance against agreed-upon objectives.
- Reviews and analyzes sales data, market trends, and customer performance to identify opportunities and risks and to recommend corrective actions, as appropriate.
- Supports broker and sales talent development through training, coaching, and performance feedback and/or evaluations, as applicable.
- Coordinates with internal business partners, including Marketing, Supply Chain, and National Accounts, to support customer requirements and ensure alignment.
- Ensures adherence to applicable company policies, pricing guidelines, and operating procedures in all customer and broker interactions.
- Travels regularly within the assigned territory to conduct customer calls, support key initiatives, and attend industry and/or company meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency in customer selling, negotiation, and formal presentation.
- Demonstrated ability to implement sales plans and effectively manage multiple accounts concurrently.
- Working knowledge of consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales fundamentals, trade promotion practices, and broker-supported selling models.
- Ability to interpret sales and market data and translate findings into actionable business plans.
Ability to:
- Ability to travel approximately 40 - 50 nights annually within the assigned market/region and to related industry conventions, as required.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, as approved by the Company.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales.
- Experience working with broker organizations and retail customers.
Physical/Safety Requirements:
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing desk-based work.
- Ability to work in environments where ambient noise levels may exceed those typically found in a traditional office setting.
