Independent Sales Territory Manager

Who We Are: Chex Finer Foods is a third-generation, regional distributor of specialty and natural foods serving over 1,000 retailers along the east coast. As an industry leader for more than 60 years, we’ve delivered high-quality products through trusted partnerships, operational excellence, and exceptional service. Our close-knit team of employees are committed, driven, collaborative, creative and, above all else, passionate about what we do. Come grow with us! The Opportunity: We are seeking an Independent Sales Territory Manager responsible for managing and growing independent grocery accounts in Vermont and neighboring geographies in Western New Hampshire and Upstate Eastern New York. This role is focused on driving sales growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding Chex's presence within the territory. This role is responsible for driving sales growth through customer engagement, category and assortment reviews, new item presentations, promotional planning, and business reviews. The Territory Manager will prospect and onboard new customers, manage select customer orders, and build strong relationships with customers, vendor partners, and internal teams to achieve sales and service objectives. The Responsibilities: Account Management • Develop and maintain strong relationships with assigned accounts, serving as the primary point of contact and trusted business partner to maximize sales growth and long-term customer satisfaction. • Conduct regular customer visits in accordance with established call schedules, engaging buyers, managers, and owners to strengthen profitable business relationships. • Effectively present company programs, category reviews, promotional opportunities, and new item recommendations to achieve sales objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs). • Partner with Sales Management to establish sales goals, drive execution, and ensure exceptional customer service and account support. • Prepare, enter, and transmit customer orders for select customers as required. • Negotiate and execute marketing plans, conduct business reviews, resolve customer issues, manage deduction reconciliations, and leverage internal resources as needed to support account success. • Collaborate with Purchasing, Brand Management, Marketing, Key Accounts, and other cross-functional teams to execute advertising, merchandising, display, seasonal, and new product initiatives. • Proactively identify and capitalize on opportunities to expand distribution and sales of both new and existing product lines. Sales and Business Planning • Develop and execute monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and business plans for assigned accounts, including regular customer meetings, sales reviews, and annual business reviews to achieve budgeted sales and profitability objectives. • Monitor progress against account plans and objectives, evaluate performance, communicate results to Sales Management, and implement actions as needed to achieve targeted sales and cost goals. • Maintain expert knowledge of company products, customer assortments, market conditions, industry trends, competitive activity, pricing, and product innovation to identify opportunities for growth and deliver value-added recommendations to customers. • Secure new business by identifying prospective accounts, effectively communicating the Chex value proposition, and successfully closing opportunities with independent retailers. • Participate in monthly sales meetings and other company initiatives to support continuous development, communication, and execution. Account Coordination • Foster strong communication and collaborative relationships with customers, internal stakeholders, and team members to ensure alignment, support business objectives, and promote a culture of teamwork and professional development. • Prepare and submit accurate, timely, and meaningful account reports and business updates, ensuring management has the information necessary to support effective decision-making. What You Bring: • Bachelor's degree preferred with a minimum of two years of sales experience; grocery, specialty, natural, or retail food industry experience preferred. • Proven ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial environment, identify opportunities, and drive sales growth through initiative, resourcefulness, and strong execution. • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage customers, vendor partners, and internal stakeholders at all levels. • Strong business acumen and judgment, with the ability to develop recommendations and solutions that create win-win outcomes for retailers, brands, and the company. • Highly motivated, results-oriented, and detail-focused, with exceptional organization, follow-through, and time management skills. • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and comfortable using mobile technology and sales tools for order-writing, reporting, and presentations. • Passion for the food industry, including knowledge of specialty and natural products, emerging consumer trends, and a commitment to making a positive impact on customers, vendor partners, and the organization. What We Bring: • Impact: Be a key contributor in a tight-knit team where your work is visible and valued • Culture: We lead with trust, care deeply, and build lasting relationships – internally and externally • Growth: As our business scales, you’ll gain exposure to new responsibilities, and development opportunities • Stability: A growing company with long-term vision and values at our core • Flexibility: A collaborative workplace with hybrid work options and work-life balance Work Schedule, Travel & Compensation: • Daily travel throughout the territory. • Work is performed largely in customer stores. • Headquarters in Mansfield, MA where monthly sales meetings are held. Occasional overnight travel may be required to participate in trainings, meetings, or other company events. • The hours of work will generally be during regular customer business hours. • Variation in work hours due to employee and customer schedules, special projects, deadlines, and tradeshows. • Salary range is $90,000 - $110,000 (range includes commission). Pay is commensurate with experience. Chex Finer Foods offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan options, tuition reimbursement and much more!