Sales Manager
About The Position
SunOpta is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Sales Manager with a strong business-development and hunter-sales mindset. The role focuses on finding and securing new opportunities with national and regional accounts while developing existing customer relationships. The Sales Manager will pursue new markets and customers to help grow the company and increase market share in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The position directly manages key accounts across club, grocery, and foodservice channels, spanning aseptic and better-for-you snack categories. It works with internal teams to support customers from inquiry through delivery, develops SKU-level forecasts and sales plans, and contributes to bids, negotiations, category stories, and performance reporting. The role is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with remote arrangements available and an expected travel commitment of 30–50%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in a selling role in the food and beverage industry, with substantial emphasis on business development.
- Experience with private-label, co-manufacturing, and branded go-to-market solutions.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to use relationships and data-driven insights to develop customer solutions.
- Collaborative approach and ability to work with internal teams to achieve results.
- Proven understanding and track record of solutions selling.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage and execute multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational requirements while pursuing sales targets.
- Self-motivation and ability to deliver high-quality work with little oversight.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including flexibility and the ability to interact with varied personality types and behaviors.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Responsibilities
- Directly manage key national and regional accounts for new and existing business opportunities.
- Manage accounts across club, grocery, and foodservice channels and aseptic and better-for-you snack categories as business needs require.
- Proactively pursue and secure new business through cold-calling, networking, and pipeline development.
- Lead or support contract negotiations and renewals, depending on contract size and complexity.
- Collaborate with supply chain, quality, accounts receivable, finance, and business management to coordinate customer efforts and deliver a seamless experience from inquiry to delivery.
- Develop by-SKU revenue and velocity forecasts for strategic accounts.
- Develop and execute sales goals for revenue and margin targets.
- Track and communicate performance results, and provide management with recommendations for future planning.
- Build expertise in the product portfolio and operations to serve as a primary contact and provide strategic insight across the portfolio.
- Work with business management to execute and win bids across the portfolio with assigned customers.
- Build and maintain relationships with merchants across key accounts and their product desks.
- Assist in creating category stories for key accounts across portfolios.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid family leave
- Paid maternity leave
- 401(k) with match
- Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
- Paid holidays
- Tuition assistance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
