Sales Manager, Independent Retail – South Mid-Atlantic (FIJI Water)

FIJI Water Company•Charlotte, GA

About The Position

The Sales Manager, Independent Retail is a member of the FIJI Water team responsible for managing assigned chain retailers, broadliners, grocery wholesalers, and direct-store-delivery customers. The role focuses on growing FIJI Water sales, share of mind, and retail execution across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The position reports to the Sales Director – East Division. The Sales Manager develops customer opportunities and account plans, uses data and market insights to make recommendations, and works with customers, distributors, and internal teams to advance brand and business objectives. The role includes regular field visits and store-level execution, as well as selling and negotiating customer programs and ensuring that merchandising, distribution, and promotional activities align with business and trade investment goals. Travel of up to 50% is required.

Requirements

At least 5 years of food and/or beverage sales experience, including distributor management and key account management.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
Excellent presentation and communication skills, including the ability to sell to customer needs and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience with sales planning and business management, including evaluating post-event performance and applying learnings to future customer programming.
Organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Customer-service mindset and commitment to providing high-quality support to internal and external partners.
Demonstrated market and category knowledge and the ability to adapt to changing business needs.
Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented approach.
Ability to travel up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Experience leveraging syndicated data and analytics to develop fact-based selling stories and achieve business objectives.
Experience with IRI, Nielsen, Mintel, or similar platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular field visits to customer accounts, partnering with the FIJI Water Retail Trade Execution team, distributor representatives, or working independently.
Identify and develop new business opportunities and drive SKU expansion and incremental distribution within existing accounts.
Develop and deliver fact-based selling presentations incorporating actionable business, category, and market insights for retailers, distributors, and internal stakeholders.
Lead and participate in customer and sales meetings to increase share of mind, distribution, programming, and feature activity.
Communicate key brand priorities, brand performance, and category and market insights to internal and external customers.
Drive execution of merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving objectives in alignment with portfolio and brand strategy, customer objectives, and trade investment goals.
Sell incremental displays, equipment, and promotional programs, and ensure execution and compliance at the store level.
Evaluate and negotiate Customer Marketing Agreements (CMAs) in alignment with business objectives and trade investment strategies.
Analyze, interpret, and communicate data and insights from Power BI, VIP, IDIG, IRI, and other syndicated sources to inform customer recommendations and internal business decisions.
Transport, install, replace, and maintain point-of-sale materials and advertising as appropriate for each account.
Collaborate with Retail Trade Execution, Marketing, Operations, and other internal teams to advance customer and business objectives.

Benefits

Medical coverage, comprehensive vision and dental plans, and 401(k) with match eligibility.
24/7 online physician consultations.
Virtual mental health resources and life coaching.
Employee community groups.
Cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements.
Access to on-demand fitness videos.
Career progression and internal mobility opportunities.
Learning and development resources, including leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Company-wide mentorship program.
Continuous improvement training.
Company-provided funds for charitable donations through Wonderful Giving.
Opportunities to participate in group community service projects through Wonderful Neighbor.