Sales Manager

About the role

Join a high-energy, results-driven culture where you can make a meaningful impact in the evolving sales organization of Hickory Farms. We're looking for a driven professional to develop and execute annual sales plans, manage relationships, and drive growth across various retail channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual sales plans to achieve revenue, profitability, and growth targets
• Manage and grow relationships across assigned grocery, wholesale, mass, regional retail, and emerging accounts
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and channel expansion
• Lead customer negotiations, including pricing, promotions, assortment, item selection, and contract execution
• Manage broker relationships, including performance oversight, training, and contract management
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Customer Service to support account needs and execution
• Analyze syndicated data, sales trends, and market performance to identify growth opportunities and inform strategy
• Manage forecasting, reporting, and account performance tracking to support business planning
• Oversee customer execution requirements including item setup, portal management, routing guides, labeling, EDI compliance, and other retailer-specific processes
• Safeguard accurate and timely execution of pricing, promotions, and product updates across customer systems
• Support trade shows, customer meetings, food shows, and industry events as needed
• Ensure high levels of customer service and execution excellence across all assigned accounts
• Uphold and demonstrate Hickory Farms’ core values in all aspects of the role

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive CPG sales experience in grocery, wholesale, mass, or regional/national accounts
• Proven experience managing brokers, distributors, and key customer relationships
• Strong understanding of grocery, wholesale, and mass retail channels
• Experience with sales planning, forecasting, promotions, and account analytics
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and syndicated data tools (IRI, Nielsen, or equivalent)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel as needed (approximately 10%)

Preferred Experience

• Experience in food, snack, gift, seasonal, or specialty CPG categories
• Familiarity with retailer systems, item setup platforms, and syndicated data tools
• Experience managing emerging or alternative retail channels

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
• Must be able to complete the “essential job functions” with “reasonable accommodations” and meet all the mandatory qualifications under the ADA guidelines
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• Must be able to perform essential physical activities such as lifting, climbing, standing, stooping, or typing
• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone

Compensation and Benefits

• $120K-$150K annually
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off (vacation, sick time, and holidays), flexible/hybrid work schedule, employee assistance program (EAP), and paid parental leave
• Employee discounts and perks

Work Schedule

This is a hybrid role.