Director of Sales, Independent Grocery

Link Snacks•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Sales, Independent Grocery, owns the development of key growth strategies, customer relationships, and the execution of sales programs and innovation to meet Link Snacks’ business-plan goals. The role leads a team managing the grocery/food channel in a designated territory and is accountable for assigned customer revenue, trade fund, selling expense, and profit goals. The Director reports to the VP of Sales, Grocery. The position works from a dedicated home office and partners with remote sales managers overseeing other retail channels. Travel is 50–75%. The listed annual pay range is $170,000–$200,000; actual pay varies based on factors including market data, internal equity, location, skills, and experience. Eligible team members may receive additional rewards and benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of CPG sales experience with customers, including broker management.
Exceptional leadership skills.
Strong ability to multitask.
Entrepreneurial thinking and ability to use data to sell.
Outstanding organizational, presentation, and follow-up skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional internal and external teams.
Ability to travel 50–75%.
Prior experience leading a sales team focused on the grocery channel.
Prior experience calling on large grocery and/or mass chain accounts.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a business-related field.
Prior experience in headquarters selling, sales planning, sales strategy, or broker management.

Responsibilities

Execute the Grocery Channel strategy to deliver annual operating plan goals.
Develop and execute a one- to three-year strategic plan to grow sales, market share, and category leadership.
Lead, develop, and grow a team of salespeople.
Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships.
Manage the team’s trade spending to drive profitable business, including use of a trade promotion management system.
Review sales progress, strategies, and business opportunities, and develop plans to address business shortfalls.
Collaborate with internal functions to develop customer-specific programs and items.
Use category data to review business performance and identify trends and opportunities.
Use P&L information to drive financial performance, including managing accounts receivable and deductions.
Develop and maintain accurate customer- and product-level sales forecasts to support production planning.
Provide senior leadership with updates on sales results and opportunities.
Monitor and report on the competitive landscape and activity.
Perform other duties as assigned.