Associate Sales Director
The Associate Sales Director plays a critical role in growing Eagle's business by managing a mix of strategic and tactical retail accounts. This role is hands-on, focused on building and executing customer plans, managing P&Ls, and improving performance across both national chains and independent retailers. The Associate Sales Director understands the unique needs of each customer, leads day-to-day tactical planning, and works closely with agency and broker partners to deliver at retail. Success in this role means helping Eagle expand its presence in key markets, supporting cross-functional efforts, and driving sustainable, profitable growth in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
Customer and Channel Sales Management
- Manage a customer base with annual volume between $15$40 million, with a mix of tactical and moderately strategic accounts.
- Build and maintain relationships with key retail partners.
- Identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth by developing tailored customer business plans aligned to company goals.
- Lead annual planning and negotiations related to pricing, promotional activities, and retail programs to support account growth.
- Work closely with broker and distributor partners to ensure consistent execution and alignment with business plans.
- Focus on tactical account optimization while contributing to overall market share and brand visibility.
Sales Operations and Execution
- Translate customer insights and performance data into clear, executable tactics to improve account-level performance.
- Coordinate with internal teams, primarily within Sales, but also with Operations, Marketing, and Demand Planning as needed, for seamless delivery on customer programs.
- Monitor in-market execution through agency and broker partners, ensuring program compliance and alignment with KPIs.
- Take ownership of tactical planning activities, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and market dynamics to meet business needs.
Financial and Analytical Responsibility
- Manage account-level P&L responsibilities, ensuring delivery of sales, margin, and trade spend targets.
- Develop and track annual budgets and forecasts, working closely with finance and operations teams to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Analyze the impact and efficiency of trade promotions and customer programs to inform future investments and improve return on spend.
- Support demand planning by providing timely, data-driven volume forecasts.
Strategic and Tactical Planning
- Lead development and execution of tactical-level plans, with a strong focus on near-term growth opportunities, customer-specific initiatives, and market responsiveness.
- Align internal and external stakeholders around clearly defined execution plans, performance metrics, and deliverables.
- Serve as the tactical lead for assigned accounts, making day-to-day decisions that drive business outcomes while escalating broader strategic needs when necessary.
Leadership and Problem Solving
- Manage low to mid-level agency and broker resources, providing clear direction to ensure effective execution at the store and customer level.
- Demonstrate strong judgment and practical problem-solving in fast-paced, changing environments.
- Prioritize multiple projects effectively while maintaining high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Provide recommendations and feedback to leadership to support account performance, customer satisfaction, and long-term business goals.
Qualifications and Competencies
- Strong selling, relationship-building, and leadership skills
- Proficient in digital and eCommerce sales
- Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation abilities
- Skilled in syndicated data, consumer trends, and trade tools (TPM, forecasting software)
- Bachelor's Degree required (or equivalent experience)
- 58 years in sales or customer management
- 3+ years leading strategic customers; experience with Ahold Delhaize preferred
- Broker management across large territories
- Experience with dry grocery and salty snacks; branded and private label a plus
- Background in large CPG or private equity-backed companies preferred
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and build senior-level trade relationships
- Team-oriented with a results-driven mindset
- Willing to travel 3050%