Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Lewis Bakeries is a bakery products company seeking a District Sales Manager to lead sales growth, operational performance, and retail execution across an assigned territory. The role manages sales teams, develops customer relationships, oversees retail execution, supports business development, and coordinates with internal departments to maximize sales opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key Lewis Bakeries customers, including major retail groups such as Schnucks, Dierbergs, and other strategic accounts
- Conduct regular customer visits to understand business needs and identify growth opportunities
- Overseeing and monitoring sales opportunities with ASM’s to improve sales performance, merchandising execution, POGs, and promotional effectiveness
- Resolve customer issues quickly while maintaining exceptional service levels
- Collaborate with internal Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to support customer initiatives
- Leading and assisting ASM’s (area sales managers) in all duties they are held responsible for including ordering, training, store coverage, hiring, scheduling, route sales, resets and others
- Covering and assisting ASM’s with coverage for PTO, vacant positions, working daily freight, store resets, and route sales
- Conducting market audits throughout ASM’s sales areas. Trouble shooting for out-of-stocks, merchandising issues, displays, and missed opportunities
- Monitoring and maintaining proper product levels through accurate sales ordering and adjusting, weekly reports, and merchandising activities through Lewis Bakeries’ electronic system
- Follow-up on ASM-customer relationships throughout their market
- Follow and enforce Lewis Bakeries company policies and standards including safety, equipment standards, and market presence
- Visit retail locations assigned to your specific territory and ASM’s to ensure outstanding marketplace execution
- Monitor shelf conditions, product availability, merchandising standards, pricing, and promotional compliance
- Support new item launches, seasonal programs, and retail activations
- Identify opportunities to expand distribution and improve shelf presence
- Provide merchandising guidance and sales support to ASM’s and merchandisers
- Monitor competitive activity and communicate marketplace insights to leadership
- Build strong relationships with retailers to grow Lewis Bakeries' market share
- Support development of new partnerships and customer opportunities
- Prepare sales reports, customer updates, forecasts, promotions, and business reviews
- Collaborate with internal teams on strategic sales initiatives
- Maintain accurate customer records and activity documentation
- Participate in and conduct sales meetings, planning sessions, and training programs
Skills
- * Minimum of three years of sales experience within consumer-packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, wholesale distribution, or Direct Store Delivery (DSD)
- * Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, merchandising, and retail execution
- * Excellent relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills
- * Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments
- * Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail
- * Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- * Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- * Candidates should reside within approximately two hours of the assigned territory
- * Frequent travel throughout the assigned territory is required, including store visits, sales manager meetings, retail store visits, and covering and assisting working accounts
- * Overnight travel may be required to support meetings, training, covering PTO, call-offs, and working accounts
- * Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred
- * Experience managing, leading, and driving a sales team is preferred
Benefits
- Medical coverage with weekly premiums as low as $10 and a low-deductible plan design
- Comprehensive dental coverage, including orthodontic benefits for dependent children
- Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) with company matching contributions
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid vacation time and paid holidays
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Professional development opportunities and long-term career growth
- Family-owned company with over 100 years of baking excellence
- Stable and growing organization with a long history of success
- Collaborative culture that values employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a key member of the bakery leadership team
- Opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement
Company Overview