Sales Manager

The Sales Account Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding the company’s retail and food service business within an assigned territory. This role will develop and execute strategic sales plans, manage key customer relationships, identify new business opportunities, and collaborate closely with North American Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Logistics, and supplier partners to consistently deliver against revenue, profitability, service, and customer growth objectives. The ideal candidate is a commercially minded, relationship-driven sales professional with a strong understanding of the retail and food service industries, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record of growing business with major customers. Responsibilities Develop annual sales plans, long-term business strategies, and customer-specific budgets in partnership with the National Sales Manager and Marketing team. Identify, qualify, and pursue new customers, distribution channels, and business opportunities that support profitable and sustainable growth. Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective customers and opportunities within the assigned territory. Identify emerging retail and food service product opportunities and make recommendations regarding product development, positioning, pricing, and commercialization. Monitor market conditions, customer trends, competitive activity, and industry developments to identify risks and opportunities. Maintain regular, proactive communication with assigned customers at both buying and senior management levels. Develop trusted, long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers, influencers, and stakeholders. Act as a strategic business partner to customers by understanding their objectives, challenges, product requirements, and growth opportunities. Build and maintain a strong network of industry contacts to monitor competitive activity, customer developments, market conditions, and opportunities. Qualifications 5+ years of sales experience managing retail and/or food service accounts within an assigned territory. Proven experience developing and executing sales strategies for a sizable North American or global food manufacturer, processor, distributor, or related organization. Strong understanding of the retail and food service industries, including sales budgeting, forecasting, forward sales planning, customer planning, and account management. Working knowledge of case‑ready retail meat processing and distribution systems. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, presentation software, and ERP systems. Fluency in English. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced commercial environment. Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory. Preferred Skills Experience selling retail protein products to major retailers Experience working with major food service distributors and wholesalers Experience working with specialty distributors Experience selling directly to specialty butcher shops, meat retailers, or other specialty protein customers. Experience managing international supply chains, import/export programs, or international distribution. Experience developing and executing integrated promotional campaigns across digital, print, in‑store, and other media platforms. Experience working with meat, protein, food manufacturing, or related consumer packaged goods organizations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Judge Direct Placement