Manager, Customer Dev - Commercial Chains

Hungry for a career that's as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don't just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.


We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that's on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!


With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Why You'll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance - Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security - Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support - HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards - Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Commercial Chain Customer Development Manager to support Aspire Bakeries' Commercial Chain, Corporate Accounts, and Non-Commercial channels within an assigned territory. In this role, you will be accountable for driving new business growth, expanding existing customer relationships, and executing food service sales strategies through direct customer and broker engagement. This role is critical to accelerating branded business growth, securing new customers, and strengthening Aspire Bakeries' presence across chain and non-commercial foodservice segments.

This is a territory-based, field role requiring approximately 50% travel. Candidates must be based near a major airport within the assigned geography. No relocation assistance is available. Currently considering candidates in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, NV, UT.

Core Accountabilities (What You'll Be Doing)

• Drive Sales Growth by developing and executing customer-specific sales strategies that deliver budgeted revenue, profit, and new business objectives.
• Develop Customer Relationships by managing and expanding existing chain and non-commercial accounts through pricing negotiations, contract renewals, RFPs, and new item placements.
• Generate New Business by prospecting, presenting, and closing incremental opportunities with new customers in the assigned territory.
• Lead Planning & Forecasting by identifying menu gaps, promotional opportunities, product rollouts, and managing accurate product forecasts.
• Manage Financial Performance by developing and overseeing sales budgets, margins, program funds, and trade allowances.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally with Marketing, Analytics, Operations, Category Management, R&D, and Finance to pursue high-impact growth initiatives.
• Communicate & Represent the Brand by providing clear internal updates, managing customer documentation, supporting brokers, and representing Aspire Bakeries at tradeshows and customer conferences.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, culinary arts, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Proven foodservice sales experience at the broker, distributor, or operator level
• Demonstrated success managing and growing customer accounts within an assigned territory
• Experience driving new business generation and incremental product placement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Ability to travel up to 50% and work independently in a field-based environment
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• Prior bakery or food manufacturing experience
• Culinary background or strong menu and product application knowledge
• Broker management experience
• Experience working in a fast-paced, opportunistic, and less structured environment
• Demonstrated success partnering cross-functionally to deliver sales and margin growth

Call to Action

Ready to grow your career with a company that values relationships, results, and long-term success?

Apply today and become part of our team at Aspire Bakeries!

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.