Route Sales Director - Lewiston/Waldoboro, ME

Flowers•Lewiston, ME

34d•$72,000 - $80,000

About The Position

FRESH. FORWARD. FLOWERS. Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2024 sales of $5.1 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery – it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community. Full-time employees are offered the following benefits : Comprehensive health and medical benefits 401(k) Retirement savings plan Professional growth and leadership training Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave Benefits may vary depending on your work location. Bringing Home the Dough The Route Sales Director (RSD) is responsible for managing company Route Sales Supervisors (RSS), Route Sales Representatives (RSR), and Route Sales Trainees (RST). Position is to manage customer relationships, engage in sales activities, grow customer base, seek new selling opportunities on the routes, and track sales data. Position will be responsible for developing recommended sales strategies to build sales, the customer base, and brand recognition. RSDs will work independently with minimal supervision. RSDs will review and analyze pertinent sales to drive compliance to company and customer marketing requirements. This position will provide updates and recommendations to the Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to discuss ways to improve customer relationships and increase selling opportunities. Position will require flexibility to work during non-traditional working hours and possibly on weekends and holidays. Positions requires an incumbent with an eagerness to gain industry knowledge and to learn the skills necessary for success. Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in general management or sales
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Sales or Business Administration

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 1 year in retail sales in food and beverage preferred

Responsibilities

Motivate and lead a team of Route Sales Supervisors, Route Sales Representatives and Route Sales Trainees. Strengthen Route Sales execution and moral by properly following up on all associate concerns, giving clear and consistent direction and ensuring a safe workplace
Oversee general business operations and activities on assigned company operated routes
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in carrying out job duties
Manage route performance to the key performance indicators; drive compliance to best practices of Lepage company route sales requirements. Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program
Meet with customers regularly to promote additional sales and brand awareness. Plan and maintain a schedule of regular key account visits to build rapport and generate increased sales
Collaborate with Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to analyze market and route operations to identify voids and sales opportunities and reduce cost
Conduct weekly reviews with Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to monitor personal growth objectives
Stay current on consumer insights and adjust sales strategies accordingly
Call on potential opportunities to acquire new customers
Work with Route Sales Supervisors, Route Sales Representatives, Route Sales Trainees, and retail management on product promotions, displays, and other opportunities to build sales
Establish and maintain strong customer relations to effectively communicate sales solutions and improve customer satisfaction. Track market conditions for customers as needed (business reviews)
Manage daily route settlement requirements of RSSs, RSRs and RSTs: ensure accurate product quantities, accurate invoicing, accurate inventory counts and adherence to the cash collection policy. Ensure routes balance weekly
As needed, operate company routes, and provide coverage of routes to ensure service to customers is not jeopardized or interrupted
Recruit, interview, hire and train new Route Sales Representatives and Route Sales Specialists
Issue performance improvement plans as needed to ensure adherence to the requirements and standards of Lepage Bakeries Route Sales program
Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program
Must be able to obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
Must meet the Fleet insurance Guidelines in relation to your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
Ensure compliance of assigned company operated routes to all company policies, Department of Transportation (DOT) policies, as well as local and federal regulations
Review company fleet and property regularly to ensure trucks and all company property (warehouses, trays, dollies) are always in safe working order and up to the standards of the company
Safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) more than 10,000 pounds
Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures (EEO, Sexual Harassment, Sarbanes – Oxley, Safety, etc.)
Perform other duties which are deemed to be an integral part of the position, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies, and procedures