Sales Manager - Instore Bakery

Job Summary

The Sales Manager - In-Store Bakery & Deli will oversee a portfolio of current accounts while actively pursuing new customer opportunities within retail bakery and deli channels. A primary emphasis of this role is on strategically identifying and securing new clients from targeted lists. The role also includes managing existing third-party sales partners and shaping the overall strategy for broker relationships, including the potential onboarding of additional brokers.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth by managing a defined portfolio and expanding business through acquisition of new high-potential accounts in bakery and deli categories

• Utilize and coordinate with broker networks to identify prospects and support expansion initiatives

• Analyze account performance reports to detect challenges and implement corrective actions

• Create and execute territory-specific growth strategies, maintaining a well-organized pipeline of prospective accounts in CRM systems

• Ensure adherence to budget allocations for marketing, travel, entertainment, and product sampling

• Maintain a structured schedule for customer visits to guarantee consistent engagement with both existing and prospective accounts

• Actively listen to customer needs and recommend solutions informed by data and insights

• Collaborate closely with customer service teams to ensure smooth day-to-day account operations

• Monitor and manage frozen product inventories across assigned accounts

• Keep CRM records current with daily updates to ensure proper follow-up and tracking

• Prepare and deliver presentations or proposals to key decision-makers

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by sales leadership

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred; 5+ years of relevant sales experience may be considered in place of a degree

• Strong technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and other standard business tools

• Experience with corporate systems (SAGE, SEI) - training available as needed

• Familiarity with CRM platforms; experience with Creatio is advantageous

• Solid understanding of the sales process within in-store bakery and deli channels

• Existing relationships with buyers or category managers in large retail bakery and deli accounts - ESSENTIAL

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with stakeholders at multiple organizational levels