Sales Manager - Value Channel (Retail Grocery)

Overview of The Position:We are seeking a high-impact Sales Manager to lead and grow our Value Channel business across key customers including Dollar General, Family Dollar, Aldi, Lidl, Topco, Save A Lot, and BJ's. This role will play a critical part in driving both branded and private label growth across the portfolio. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable analyzing data, building strategy, and executing with customers, and thrives in situations where ambiguity and problem-solving are part of the job. This individual will take full ownership of their business and operate with a "CEO mindset," treating their accounts as their own and driving results accordingly. This role reports to the Director of Retail Sales.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Own and manage sales performance across assigned Value Channel customers, delivering against revenue, profit, and distribution goalsDevelop and execute customer-specific strategies to drive growth across both branded and private label portfoliosBuild and cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with buying teams and key decision-makersLead business planning, forecasting, and P&L management for assigned accountsAnalyze performance data to identify opportunities, risks, and actionable insightsPartner cross-functionally (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure alignment and execution of business plansNavigate and solve complex business challenges with creativity and adaptabilityDeliver compelling internal and external selling stories, grounded in data and insightManage trade spend effectively to maximize ROI and profitability

What We Are Looking For:

Key Skills & Traits

Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a demonstrated CEO mindset in managing the businessHighly analytical with the ability to quickly shift to strategic, big-picture thinkingComfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-changing environmentsStrong problem solver-especially when the path forward is not clearly definedTrack record of achieving and exceeding metric-driven goalsExceptional relationship-building and communication skillsResults-oriented and proactive, with a bias for actionAbility to balance short-term execution with long-term growth strategy

What Success Looks Like

Consistent delivery of revenue and profit targetsStrong, trusted partnerships with key customersGrowth across both branded and private label businessesClear, actionable strategies that unlock Value Channel expansionEffective cross-functional collaboration that drives executionProactive identification and resolution of business challenges

Education & Experience

5-10+ years of CPG sales experience, preferably in foodProven experience calling on value-oriented retail customers (Dollar General, Family Dollar, Aldi, Lidl, etc.) strongly preferred5-10+ years of experience working with retail customers requiredStrong P&L management and financial acumenExperience with forecasting, planning, and trade managementDemonstrated ability to sell both externally (customers) and internally (cross-functional stakeholders)Private label experience strongly preferred; candidates with deep experience in private brand development and commercialization will stand outExperience working with distributors is preferredBackground in condiments, spices, or adjacent categories is preferredExperience with TPM tools, Blacksmith preferred

Other:

Ability to travel 20% requiredPreferred location is Nashville; however, other locations will be considered.

What Is In It For You?Our company acknowledges talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:

401KMedical/Dental/Vision CoverageVacation, Sick Days and HolidaysFlexible Spending AccountsTuition ReimbursementEmployee and Dependent Life InsuranceVoluntary Disability InsuranceOther Voluntary Insurance Options

Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.