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 goals Develop and execute customer-specific strategies to drive growth across both branded and private label portfolios Build and cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with buying teams and key decision-makers Lead business planning, forecasting, and P&L management for assigned accounts Analyze performance data to identify opportunities, risks, and actionable insights Partner cross-functionally (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure alignment and execution of business plans Navigate and solve complex business challenges with creativity and adaptability Deliver compelling internal and external selling stories, grounded in data and insight Manage 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 business Highly analytical with the ability to quickly shift to strategic, big-picture thinking Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-changing environments Strong problem solver—especially when the path forward is not clearly defined Track record of achieving and exceeding metric-driven goals Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills Results-oriented and proactive, with a bias for action Ability to balance short-term execution with long-term growth strategy What Success Looks Like Consistent delivery of revenue and profit targets Strong, trusted partnerships with key customers Growth across both branded and private label businesses Clear, actionable strategies that unlock Value Channel expansion Effective cross-functional collaboration that drives execution Proactive identification and resolution of business challenges Education & Experience 5–10+ years of CPG sales experience, preferably in food Proven experience calling on value-oriented retail customers (Dollar General, Family Dollar, Aldi, Lidl, etc.) strongly preferred 5-10+ years of experience working with retail customers required Strong P&L management and financial acumen Experience with forecasting, planning, and trade management Demonstrated 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 out Experience working with distributors is preferred Background in condiments, spices, or adjacent categories is preferred Experience with TPM tools, Blacksmith preferred Other: Ability to travel 20% required Preferred 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:    401K Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays Flexible Spending Accounts Tuition Reimbursement Employee and Dependent Life Insurance Voluntary Disability Insurance Other 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.