Manager, Field Operations - Southeast Territory

fairlife•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Field Operations Manager will be a thought partner to the Fairlife sales team in each region, the Coca-Cola retail teams, Bottlers, Customers, and other partners to build and manage sales and commercial functions within the market focused primarily on the DSD products within the fairlife portfolio. They will act as a key franchise partner, support customer activity, and participate in multiple functions with our bottling partners in commercial routines and sales execution. The Field Operations Manager will be responsible for identifying bottler/ market specific commercial and customer needs, incorporating national and regional priorities as well as bottler-specific metrics and incentives. This position will also participate in CCNA franchise and bottler commercial and sales routines to ensure proper prioritization for fairlife DSD brands that align with fairlife business goals and objectives. The ideal candidate understands that true value creation, both for our customers and the company, is built upon a long-term, shared vision of growth that is grounded in consumer and shopper needs/occasions and informed by leading edge category and channel insights. This individual will work seamlessly across multiple functions within fairlife and the Coca-Cola North American Operating Unit (NAOU) to provide compelling category selling stories that deliver long-term, profitable growth for the company and our most valued retail partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
3–5+ years of CPG sales or commercial experience, preferably within food or beverage categories.
Strong analytical and data‑driven skill set, with the ability to interpret and leverage Nielsen, IRI, customer/shopper data, or similar tools to generate insights and influence business planning.
High business and financial acumen, with demonstrated ability to build compelling, insight‑led sales presentations and deliver creative solutions to business challenges.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence cross‑functional partners.
Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasking environment.
Proven project management experience, taking programs from concept through execution.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office platforms.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance required.

Responsibilities

Lead franchise, commercial, and customer execution for fairlife’s DSD portfolio within the NAOU and assigned geography, working closely with bottler partners.
Collaborate with regional sales, Key Account Managers, bottlers, and NAOU commercial leaders to share customer-specific selling stories using consumer, shopper, and category insights.
Provide local perspective and analytical support for Collaborative Business Plans and strategic customer meetings.
Assess local market nuances and bottler needs to tailor plans and develop regional programming aligned with business goals.
Influence local decision makers and secure buy-in for programming to deliver annual business objectives.
Conduct store visits with bottling partners to support execution.
Work cross-functionally with Sales, Commercial, RGM, Shopper Marketing, NAOU teams, and Category Strategy.
Prioritize across customers and RTM to ensure timely, flawless execution of category selling stories.
Deliver annual and long-term KPIs, including brand acceleration, innovation sell-in, and revenue/profit growth.
Identify growth opportunities using Nielsen, Numerator, retailer data, and Coca-Cola tools to build insights and selling stories.
Communicate confirmed programming from fairlife and NAOU teams to maximize execution.
Manage business performance within assigned geography; support leadership in tracking execution and reporting results.
Assist in annual Sources of Growth planning with bottler commercial, customer, revenue growth, and Coca-Cola franchise teams.
Partner with Key Account Managers to develop bottler-delivered selling materials for priority customers.
Evaluate programming effectiveness and ROI to inform future plans.
Identify territory and account growth opportunities and ensure all deadlines are met.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups