National Retail Sales Manager

John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has been making a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. We are driven by our purpose-and promise-of Great Food, Made Simple. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products, and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We are proud to serve a broad portfolio of great tasting, high quality products that are sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Included in our wide array of national customers are prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr. and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth now has annual sales of approximately $1 Billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and at its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.

The National Retail Sales Manager at John Soules Foods is an outside sales position responsible for building relationships with new and existing customers and promoting JSF's food products in the retail space. This position is remote and requires travel approximately 50% of the time. The ideal candidate lives near a major airport. The National Sales Manager is responsible for the development and execution of sales strategies and plans for the John Soules Foods' portfolio of retail accounts with a proven track record of success in retail sales within the consumer-packaged goods industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with retail accounts.
• Implement effective sales strategies to drive product placement, increase shelf space, and maximize visibility within retail outlets.
• Conduct regular product presentations and demonstrations to educate retail staff and consumers on the features and benefits of our CPG offerings.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and optimize product assortment and placement.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product development, and supply chain, to ensure seamless execution of sales initiatives and promotions.
• Monitor competitor activity and industry developments to stay informed of market trends and consumer preferences.
• Provide timely and accurate reports on sales performance and customer feedback to management.
• Deliver significant volume growth while maintaining continued growth in profitability.
• Research customer business needs and develop a mix of products and service to meet needs.
• Evaluate market trends and recommend products to customers, based on business needs and goals.
• Manage outside brokers as necessary.
• Build, develop and collaborate trade promotion plans
• Identify and prioritize key sales opportunities at major customers.
• Ensure execution of annual sales plan including identification of key customer targets that are aligned with the strategic marketing plan and meets overall goals.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of CPG Retail experience required, preferably in the food and/or beverage channel.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Culinary Arts or related field preferred.
• Travel approx. 50% of the year.
• Familiar with processes to develop private label and proprietary programs.
• Experience completing RFPs and executing bidding processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office products & CRM Tools.
• Flexibility to work an irregular schedule, which may involve evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in interpreting sales data and market research.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders and build rapport with retail partners.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.