Sales Manager – Independent Retail

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina, +1 more state.

📋 Description

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

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

• Perform regular field visits to customer accounts.

• Collaborate with the FIJI Water Retail Trade Execution team, distributor representatives, or work independently.

• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities.

• Promote 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, brand performance, and category/market insights.

• Drive objectives related to merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving.

• Facilitate the selling of incremental displays, equipment, and promotional programs.

• Ensure compliance and execution at the store level.

• Assess and negotiate Customer Marketing Agreements (CMAs).

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

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

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

• Enhance FIJI Water sales, brand awareness, and retail execution throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

• Report directly to the Sales Director – East Division.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Proven experience in distributor management and key account management.

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

• Background in utilizing syndicated data and analytics to craft fact-based selling narratives and meet business goals.

• 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.

• Knowledge in evaluating post-event performance and applying insights to future customer programs.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

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

• Customer-service oriented mindset.

• Demonstrated understanding of market and category dynamics.

• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented approach.

• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical coverage.

• Comprehensive vision and dental plans.

• 401(k) with matching eligibility.

• 24/7 online physician consultations.

• Virtual mental health resources.

• Life coaching services.

• Employee community groups.

• Cash rewards for healthy habits.

• Fitness reimbursements.

• Access to a library of on-demand fitness videos.

• Opportunities for career progression and internal mobility.

• Resources for Learning and Organizational Development.

• Training for People Managers and leadership.

• Webinars and eLearning courses available.

• Company-wide mentorship program.

• Continuous improvement training offered.

• Wonderful Giving company-provided funds for up to three charities.

• Wonderful Neighbor group service projects.