Regional Account Manager - New Business Development (Retail Bakery & Deli)

Join a company with over 140 years of tradition and excellence. Gonnella Baking Company is a trusted national leader in high-quality frozen dough products for in-store bakery and foodservice operations, known for our commitment to quality and customer service. We offer a competitive benefits package and a supportive work environment. About the Role Gonnella Baking Company is seeking a high-impact, results-driven Regional Account Manager to aggressively expand our presence across the Southeast region (Charlotte, Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa, and Orlando). This is a true hunter role responsible for driving new business, winning new accounts, and delivering profitable growth within the Retail In-Store Bakery and Deli channel. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced sales environment, brings a strong new-business mindset, and has a proven track record of prospecting, closing, and scaling accounts. This individual will play a critical role in expanding Gonnella’s footprint by identifying untapped opportunities, converting prospects into customers, and deepening relationships within existing accounts. What You Will Do As the Regional Account Manager, you will be accountable for delivering consistent, measurable sales growth across your territory, with a primary focus on new customer acquisition and account expansion. Core Responsibilities Hunt and win new business while meeting or exceeding sales objectives through cold calling, proactive prospecting, networking, and pipeline development, identifying, securing, and converting new retail grocery, in-store bakery, and deli accounts across the Southeast region Penetrate and expand existing accounts by uncovering new opportunities, increasing product distribution, and introducing new offerings Develop and execute a strategic territory growth plan aligned with company sales objectives, with defined targets for new account wins and revenue growth Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers at retail headquarters, distribution centers, and independent operators Lead end-to-end sales cycles, including prospecting, presentations, negotiations, closing, and implementation Collaborate with and manage broker partners and distribution networks to drive pipeline development and execution in market Conduct regular field visits (approximately 60% travel) to prospect, sell, onboard, and support customers Provide insights on market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to inform sales strategy and product positioning Support product launches, merchandising initiatives, and in-store execution to maximize account growth and performance What It Takes to Succeed We are looking for a highly motivated sales professional with a strong hunter mentality who is energized by building new business and delivering results. Required Qualifications Proven track record of new business development and quota achievement, including success prospecting and securing new accounts Demonstrated ability to prospect, close new business, and expand existing accounts to drive revenue growth Strong capability to identify opportunities, penetrate accounts, and deliver incremental sales results Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills, particularly with corporate and multi-unit retail customers Highly self-directed, with the ability to develop and execute a territory strategy independently Comfortable operating in a field-based role with approximately 60% travel, including early mornings and non-traditional hours to support customer needs Minimum of 8–10 years of sales experience within retail in-store bakery, deli, or related food/CPG categories Ability to develop and implement customized category and product strategies across multiple accounts and regions Preferred Experience Experience selling frozen dough, fully baked products, or bakery/bread categories Strong understanding of retail grocery environments, in-store bakery operations, and distribution channels Familiarity with key Southeast grocery retailers and regional operators Experience managing and leveraging broker networks to drive growth and execution Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant sales experience Work Environment & Expectations Regular travel throughout the Southeast territory (approximately 60%) Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including early bakery hours and occasional weekends as business needs require This is not a traditional 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. role; flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs are essential Equal Opportunity Employer Gonnella Baking Company is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gonnella Baking Co.