Area Sales / Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Ceres, CA
Salary: $130,000–$140,000 annually
Region: Northern California – Bakersfield through Sacramento
Position Type: Full-Time | Field-Based Leadership Role

We are seeking an experienced Northern California Area Sales / Operations Manager to lead sales and operational performance across a large regional territory. This position will oversee a team of Route Sales Representatives and warehouse leadership while driving revenue growth, route productivity, customer relationships, inventory control, and overall operational execution.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone with strong experience in Direct Store Delivery (DSD), route-based sales, or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, recruit, coach, and develop a team of 6 Route Sales Representatives (RSRs) and a Warehouse Manager .
• Manage sales and operations throughout the Northern California territory, from Bakersfield through Sacramento .
• Own regional sales strategy and performance, including revenue growth, distribution gains, route productivity, and execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners and accounts.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, including new accounts, pallet programs, and expanded distribution.
• Monitor route performance, KPIs, service levels, and sales results to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure consistent merchandising standards and in-store execution.
• Oversee pricing, billing, and account controls to protect revenue and maintain accuracy.
• Manage inventory processes, including forecasting, FIFO, shrink, returns, and inventory controls.
• Lead accounts receivable efforts and ensure timely collections.
• Oversee route coverage, warehouse coordination, staffing needs, and operational process improvements.
• Partner with supply chain, finance, and company leadership to maintain strong service and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in DSD, route-based sales, or CPG required , including demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing field-based sales teams.
• Strong track record of increasing sales, expanding distribution, and improving route productivity.
• Strong knowledge of DSD operations, merchandising, inventory management, and retail execution.
• Experience managing key retail accounts and developing long-term customer relationships.
• Experience with pricing controls, accounts receivable, FIFO, shrink, returns, and inventory management.
• Ability to analyze KPIs and performance data and turn findings into actionable plans.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a field-based position requiring regular regional travel between retail accounts, routes, and warehouse operations.

Candidates must be comfortable working in retail, warehouse, and delivery environments and be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs. regularly and 50 lbs. occasionally .

Benefits

Competitive benefits include:

• Low-cost Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

Salary: $130,000–$140,000 annually

If you are an experienced DSD or CPG sales and operations leader with a strong background in team development, route management, retail account growth, and operational execution, we encourage you to apply.