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

FIJI Water Company•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Sales Manager – Independent Retail is responsible for managing assigned chain retailers, broadliners, grocery wholesalers, and DSD customers across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The role focuses on growing FIJI Water sales, share of mind, and retail execution through customer management, opportunity development, fact-based selling, and strong collaboration with internal teams and business partners. The position reports to the Sales Director – East Division and requires a proactive, creative problem solver with professional and persuasive sales skills.

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 actionable recommendations.
Excellent presentation and communication skills, with 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.
Market and category knowledge, with 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.
Experience with syndicated data and analytics platforms such as IRI, Nielsen, Mintel, or similar.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular field visits to customer accounts, working with the FIJI Water 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 actionable 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 portfolio and brand strategy, customer objectives, and trade investment goals.
Sell incremental displays, equipment, and promotional programs, and ensure store-level execution and compliance.
Evaluate and negotiate Customer Marketing Agreements 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 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, vision and dental plans, and eligibility for a 401(k) with company match.
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 to allocate to up to three charities of the employee’s choice.
Opportunities to participate in community service projects.