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.