Director of Sales – East

Job Description: • Own & Grow Key Retail Accounts • Build and nurture strong relationships with buyers, brokers, and distributor partners. Experience with UNFI and KeHE is a strong plus. • Use data to identify opportunities and build the brand by executing effective Merchandising, Assortment, Pricing and Shelving plans • Partner closely with Marketing to develop retailer-specific programs that boost visibility and consumer demand • Bring a brand-builder mentality, a mix of hunting and farming • Develop annual plans in partnership with cross-functional team members • Track performance against goals and proactively suggest course corrections to keep the business on track • Leverage analytical resources (including distributor reporting) to optimize distribution, monitor OOS conditions, and identify opportunities or areas that need course correction • Build efficient, effective promotional plans and conduct post-promo analysis to ensure trade spend is driving meaningful results • Balance growth with profitability by minimizing waste and optimizing ROI • Build, lead and mentor a direct report who handles regional accounts based in Central and East geographies • Provide clear direction, mentorship, and support • Collaborate with our broker partners to optimize the business. Set clear KPIs and utilize scorecards to hold broker partners accountable • Conduct regular reviews, identify gaps, and implement follow-up actions that drive consistent execution in the field • Provide timely, data-driven forecasts that inform production, inventory, and financial planning • Use insights from sales planning / trade promotion management tools, SPINS, and retailer feedback to continuously improve forecast accuracy • Share actionable insights with senior leadership to support strategic decisions • Lead with positivity, fostering an optimistic and motivating environment to inspire team performance and client relationships • Attend customer meetings, trade shows, and broker presentations • Travel up to 50%+ as needed to support customer and business needs Requirements: • BA/BS required • 5-8 years of CPG sales experience, with 2-5 years as a Director or Sr Manager of sales, trade marketing, or broker management • Experience across both large CPG and challenger brands • Experience with food and snack brands • People management experience preferred • Experience in volume planning, forecasting, and trade spend management • Strong planning and analytical skills with proficiency in SPINS/consumption data, forecasting tools, and financial analysis • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functionally and build trust with internal and external partners • Highly organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment • A positive, collaborative leadership style that inspires performance and strong relationships Benefits: • Competitive salary • Annual performance bonus • Equity opportunity • Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits • 401(k) • 3 weeks paid vacation + 14 paid holidays • Paid parental leave • Paid time off to volunteer • Wellness & technology stipends • Fun, entrepreneurial culture with room to grow and make an impact Apply tot his job