Sales Manager – Independent Retail

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina.

📋 Description

• Oversee designated Chain Retailers, Non-Exclusive Direct Store Delivery (DSD), Grocery Wholesalers, and Broadliner Partners.

• Act as the primary contact for assigned Independent large and small format Chain clients.

• Perform regular field visits to customer accounts.

• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities.

• Propel SKU expansion and increase distribution within current accounts.

• Create and present fact-based selling presentations utilizing business, category, and market insights.

• Lead and engage in customer and sales meetings.

• Convey brand priorities, performance metrics, and category/market insights to both internal and external stakeholders.

• Enhance merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving execution.

• Promote additional displays, equipment, and promotional initiatives.

• Assess and negotiate CMAs in line with business goals and trade investment strategies.

• Analyze and relay data and insights from Power BI, VIP, IDIG, IRI, and other syndicated sources.

• Transport, set up, replace, and maintain point-of-sale materials and advertising.

• Collaborate with Retail Trade Execution, Marketing, Operations, and other internal teams.

• Report directly to the Sales Director – East Division.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food and/or beverage sales.

• Background in distributor management and key account management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience in utilizing syndicated data and analytics.

• Familiarity with IRI, Nielsen, Mintel, or similar platforms is preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Exceptional presentation and communication skills.

• Experience in sales planning and business management.

• Ability to evaluate post-event performance and apply insights to future customer programming.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

• Customer-service oriented mindset.

• Knowledge of market and category dynamics.

• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and team-focused approach.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical coverage.

• Comprehensive vision and dental plans.

• 401(k) with eligibility for matching contributions.

• 24/7 access to online physician consultations.

• Virtual mental health resources.

• Life coaching services.

• Employee community groups.

• Cash incentives for healthy habits.

• Fitness reimbursement options.

• Access to on-demand fitness videos.

• Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.

• Learning and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.

• Company-wide mentorship program.

• Ongoing improvement training.

• Charitable funds provided by Wonderful Giving.

• Service projects through the Wonderful Neighbor group.