Sales District Leader (Large Format)

About the role

Pepsi Beverages North America (PBNA) is PepsiCo’s beverage manufacturing, sales and distribution operating unit in the United States and Canada. This position will be part of the North America Beverage organization. The Large Format Sales District Leader (SDL) is responsible for leading execution and managing customer relationships in large format accounts. You will lead a team of frontline employees to merchandise orders for key customers in a fast-paced direct store delivery environment.

This role directly manages full-time Merchandisers who service large volume stores such as supermarkets and Mass Merchants. It also indirectly leads Large Format Presell Representatives and Territory Sales Representatives through a dotted-line reporting relationship, providing guidance and influential leadership to ensure cohesive performance across the broader large format team.

The position drives superior marketplace execution, customer service, sales growth, and profit performance. As the manager of the full-time Merchandising team, you will have authority over hiring, training, promoting, and managing all aspects of their performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an executional leader in large format for Pods, providing a second layer of sales and service support for the Territory Sales Leader.
• Coach and lead a team of full-time merchandisers on selling, display execution, and merchandising standards.
• Provide guidance, influential leadership, and support to Large Format Presell Representatives with key selling initiatives via a dotted-line reporting relationship.
• Own large format customer relationships, flagging any potential risks or concerns.
• Support large format overall business development, including crafting pitch strategies and materials.
• Assign full-time merchandisers to a consistent set of large format and high-volume accounts; adjust store assignments as needed to ensure proper service coverage.
• Conduct ‘work-withs/route rides’ with frontline employees to develop their merchandising and customer service skills.
• Apply knowledge of merchandising principles to drive productivity and brief frontline employees on scheduling and meeting productivity goals.
• Anticipate potential customer issues and apply contingency planning to avoid dissatisfaction.
• Train frontline employees and utilize processes and tools; interview, train, and onboard newly hired merchandisers.
• Track and monitor key performance metrics (KPIs), including review volume and waste targets, and take action on opportunities.
• Oversee Pod compliance, including conducting audits of merchandiser and LF PSR in-store huddles and daily digests.
• Supervise daily operations, delegate tasks, and monitor progress.
• Work closely with the Territory Sales Leader and Sales Representatives to execute sales strategy across the merchandising team.
• Solicit feedback and input from Sales Representatives as part of the regular performance review process.
• Set productivity and service targets, measure performance to drive accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Must be willing and able to lift up to 60 lbs periodically.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States.
• Safe driving record strongly preferred.
• Team spirit and ability to inspire others.

Benefits

• Paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick, bereavement, and parental leave:
  • Vacation: Minimum of 15 paid vacation days for eligible full-time employees.
  • Holidays: 10 paid holidays annually for eligible full-time employees.
  • Sick Leave: 10 days (80 hours) of paid sick leave for eligible full-time employees, accrued at 1 day per month worked in the first year.
  • Bereavement Leave: Up to 3 consecutive paid working days for the death of an immediate family member.
  • Parental Leave: Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave for bonding with a newborn or newly adopted child.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Disability, health, and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Insurance (accident, group legal, life).
  • Defined contribution retirement plan.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is between $66,900 - $111,950. Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting the actual starting salary. Bonus based on performance and eligibility is 15% of annual salary, paid out quarterly.