Position Summary

The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for leading all sales activities for assigned Retail and In-Store Bakery accounts. This role drives the strategic direction, development, and execution of account-specific business plans across multiple product categories to maximize revenue, profitability, and volume.

The Regional Sales Manager manages both broker-led and direct customer relationships, with full accountability for profit and loss performance. This role requires consistent achievement of budget targets and contribution to overall business growth.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage all sales activities for assigned accounts, including the development and execution of long-range and annual business plans to achieve sales, profit, and volume objectives.
• Drive distribution expansion, promotional planning, and trade spend management within established guidelines.
• Develop and manage sales forecasts; lead promotional execution, trade strategy, and account performance tracking.
• Represent assigned accounts in cross-functional meetings, collaborating with internal teams such as marketing, supply chain, and finance.
• Own day-to-day and strategic account management to win, maintain, and grow business.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, including new customers, channels, and private label initiatives.
• Partner with marketing on product innovation, commercialization, and digital engagement strategies.
• Balance tactical execution and strategic planning (approximately 50% / 50%).
• Analyze complex business situations using both quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making.
• Lead sales planning best practices, including pipeline management and Sales Action Planning processes.
• Manage cross-functional projects at a strategic level.
• Develop and execute growth strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Maintain full budget and P&L responsibility for assigned accounts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strong negotiation, collaboration, and influencing skills with major retail customers
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; composed under pressure
• Ability to thrive in a matrixed organization and work cross-functionally
• High proficiency with data systems, analytics tools, and syndicated data
• Understanding of traditional and digital paths to purchase
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Self-starter with the ability to manage a dynamic workload
• Skilled in presentation development, including PowerPoint
• Innovative, adaptable, and results-oriented

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field required; MBA preferred
• Minimum 5+ years of food industry sales experience; Retail CPG experience preferred
• Experience managing brokers preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and performance management skills
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans
• Strong understanding of the competitive landscape and industry trends
• Track record of delivering sustained P&L growth

Travel Requirements

• Remote role with approximately 40% travel required