Route Sales District Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are on a mission to grow Second Nature Brands 2x from $500MM to +$1B in the next 2 years through a combination of organic growth (increased distribution, e-commerce, and innovation) and M&A. We have an opening for a Route Sales District Manager (RSDM), reporting to the General Manager.

The Route Sales District Manager (RSDM) is responsible for leading, coaching, and driving performance across a team of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) sales representatives within an assigned district. This role requires extensive hands-on experience in grocery, convenience, and chain retail environments, with a strong understanding of store-level execution, route sales management, and customer relationships. The DSM ensures sales growth, flawless execution, and adherence to company standards while developing a high-performing sales team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of DSD sales representatives to achieve volume, revenue, and distribution goals
• Drive execution of sales initiatives, promotions, pricing, and merchandising standards
• Analyze sales data, KPIs, and route performance to identify opportunities and corrective actions
• Execute district-level plans that align with company sales strategies and objectives
• Maintain strong relationships with key grocery, convenience, and chain account decision-makers
• Partner with chain account managers to ensure compliance with authorized items, pricing, planograms, and promotions
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure in-stock levels, shelf placement, displays, and overall execution meet company standards
• Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally while protecting company interests
• Oversee route efficiency, coverage, and productivity across the district
• Ensure compliance with DSD operational standards, inventory controls, and cash accountability
• Collaborate with warehouse, transportation, and operations teams to support service levels and growth
• Support new item launches, resets, and major promotional rollouts
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain top-performing sales talent
• Conduct regular ride-alongs, performance reviews, and coaching sessions
• Hold team members accountable to sales targets, service standards, and company policies
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Prepare and submit accurate sales forecasts, performance reports, and action plans
• Manage district budgets, expenses, and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and legal requirements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive sales experience in a DSD environment
• 3+ years of sales management experience, preferably as a District or Area Sales Manager
• Extensive experience working with grocery, convenience, and chain retail accounts
• Strong understanding of route sales, merchandising, pricing, promotions, and retail execution
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and sales reporting tools; SAP experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel within the district

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries
• Experience working with national or regional chain accounts

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Frequent travel within the district, including daily store visits
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings and occasional weekends

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required for store visits