Route Sales District Manager
About The Position
Second Nature Brands is a rapidly growing, private-equity-backed consumer packaged goods company with a portfolio of iconic snack and treat brands, including Kar’s and Sanders, both proudly manufactured in Michigan. We are on a mission to scale the business from $500M to $1B in revenue over the next three years through a deliberate combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This growth agenda is supported by ongoing investment in our brands, operations, systems, and people. The Route Sales District Manager (RSDM) is responsible for leading, coaching, and driving performance across a team of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) sales representatives within an assigned district. This role requires extensive hands-on experience in grocery, convenience, and chain retail environments, with a strong understanding of store-level execution, route sales management, and customer relationships. The DSM ensures sales growth, flawless execution, and adherence to company standards while developing a high-performing sales team.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive sales experience in a DSD environment
- 3+ years of sales management experience, preferably as a District or Area Sales Manager
- Extensive experience working with grocery, convenience, and chain retail accounts
- Strong understanding of route sales, merchandising, pricing, promotions, and retail execution
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales teams
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and sales reporting tools; SAP experience preferred
- Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel within the district
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required for store visits
Nice To Haves
- Background in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries
- Experience working with national or regional chain accounts
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of DSD sales representatives to achieve volume, revenue, and distribution goals
- Drive execution of sales initiatives, promotions, pricing, and merchandising standards
- Analyze sales data, KPIs, and route performance to identify opportunities and corrective actions
- Execute district-level plans that align with company sales strategies and objectives
- Maintain strong relationships with key grocery, convenience, and chain account decision-makers
- Partner with chain account managers to ensure compliance with authorized items, pricing, planograms, and promotions
- Conduct regular store visits to ensure in-stock levels, shelf placement, displays, and overall execution meet company standards
- Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally while protecting company interests
- Oversee route efficiency, coverage, and productivity across the district
- Ensure compliance with DSD operational standards, inventory controls, and cash accountability
- Collaborate with warehouse, transportation, and operations teams to support service levels and growth
- Support new item launches, resets, and major promotional rollouts
- Recruit, onboard, train, and retain top-performing sales talent
- Conduct regular ride-alongs, performance reviews, and coaching sessions
- Hold team members accountable to sales targets, service standards, and company policies
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Prepare and submit accurate sales forecasts, performance reports, and action plans
- Manage district budgets, expenses, and resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and legal requirements
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
