Area Sales & Distribution Manager

Job Title: Area Sales & Distribution Manager – Canton, MI Area (Field-Based Role)

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We proudly offer beloved brands such as Red Baron, Tony’s, Big Daddy’s, Villa Prima, and Freschetta pizzas; bibigo, Pagoda Asian-style snacks, and Mrs. Smith’s and Edwards pies! We bring families and communities together through great food.

We are currently hiring for a Field-Based Area Sales & Distribution Manager to oversee our sales and distribution operations in the Canton area. This is an exciting, hands-on role where you will be actively engaged in field operations—not just managing from a desk. You’ll work directly in the field, leading staff to maximize truck utilization and providing essential customer support through in-store promotions and service. If you're ready to get out from behind the desk and into the action, this is the role for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Field-Based Leadership: This role is not completely based in an office—it's all about being in the field, managing delivery and distribution operations to support sales at the ground level.
• Optimize Distribution: Maximize delivery truck utilization while providing store-level support through in-store promotions and exceptional customer service.
• Routing and Logistics: Oversee the preparation of routing, ensuring effective execution of pre-trip and post-trip operations.
• Team Leadership: Manage the recruitment, training, and development of staff to meet operational goals, ensuring a high-performing and motivated team.
• Data Analysis: Review distribution data to make key business decisions that enhance service, efficiency, and overall operations.
• Customer Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with customers through constant communication with your drivers to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to all safety, DOT regulations, and company policies for a safe working environment.
• Travel: This is an on-the-road role, requiring 40-50% local travel with occasional overnight travel.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Direct Store Delivery (DSD) Sales and/or Delivery is highly preferred.
• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is strongly preferred for this role, as it requires operating commercial motor vehicles.
• Grocery experience is strongly preferred to help navigate the industry and the specific needs of our customers.
• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of sales operations management in a DSD business model within the food industry are preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of financial and business requirements with the ability to make data-driven decisions to improve performance.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage a diverse team and optimize operations in a dynamic environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, as well as basic business and operational software tools.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $66,000 to $110,000 annually, with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance.
• We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including health benefits, retirement planning, paid time off, and employee perks.
  
  

At Schwan’s, we are committed to paying competitive salaries that reflect experience, skills, and qualifications, and we strive to offer a robust benefits package that supports work-life balance and career growth.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.