Sales Manager, Independent Retail – South Mid-Atlantic

FIJI Water Company•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Sales Manager – Independent Retail is responsible for growing FIJI Water sales, share of mind, and retail execution across assigned independent retail customers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The role manages large and small format chain retailers, non-exclusive direct store delivery customers, grocery wholesalers, and broadliner partners, serving as the main FIJI Water contact for assigned customers. It works closely with internal cross-functional teams and business partners to pursue growth opportunities and deliver high-quality customer service. The position develops new business and expands distribution and SKU placement with existing accounts. It uses business, category, market, and syndicated data insights to create fact-based customer recommendations, guide sales decisions, and support customer programming. The role also drives execution of merchandising, assortment, pricing, shelving, displays, equipment, and promotional programs, while aligning customer plans with brand strategy and trade investment goals. Regular field visits and travel are part of the work, including installing and maintaining point-of-sale materials as appropriate.

Requirements

At least 5 years of food and/or beverage sales experience, including distributor management and key account management.
Demonstrated experience using syndicated data and analytics to develop fact-based selling stories and achieve business objectives.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into clear, actionable recommendations.
Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to sell to customer needs and build stakeholder relationships.
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 prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Customer-service mindset and commitment to high-quality support for internal and external partners.
Demonstrated market and category knowledge and 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 with IRI, Nielsen, Mintel, or similar syndicated data platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned chain retailers, non-exclusive DSD customers, grocery wholesalers, and broadliner partners.
Conduct regular field visits to customer accounts with the Retail Trade Execution team, distributor representatives, or independently.
Identify and develop new business opportunities and drive SKU expansion and incremental distribution within existing accounts.
Develop and deliver fact-based selling presentations using business, category, and market insights.
Lead and participate in customer and sales meetings to increase share of mind, distribution, programming, and feature activity.
Communicate brand priorities, brand performance, and category and market insights to internal and external customers.
Drive merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving execution in alignment with brand strategy, customer objectives, and trade investment goals.
Sell in incremental displays, equipment, and promotional programs, and ensure store-level execution and compliance.
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.
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, vision and dental plans, and a 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.
Library of on-demand fitness videos.
Career advancement opportunities and internal mobility.
Learning and development resources, including leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Company-wide mentorship program.
Continuous improvement training.
Company-provided funds for charitable giving through Wonderful Giving.
Opportunities to participate in group community service projects through Wonderful Neighbor.