Regional Sales Manager (Kroger)

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin’ Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to “Fun Served Here”.
Position Summary
The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for leading all sales activities for assigned Kroger accounts and other regional customers. This role drives the strategic direction, development, and execution of account-specific business plans across multiple product categories to maximize revenue, profitability, and volume.
The Regional Sales Manager manages both broker-led and direct customer relationships, with full accountability for profit and loss performance. This role requires consistent achievement of budget targets and contribution to overall business growth.
Essential Functions
Lead and manage all sales activities for assigned accounts, including the development and execution of long-range and annual business plans to achieve sales, profit, and volume objectives.
Drive distribution expansion, promotional planning, and trade spend management within established guidelines.
Develop and manage sales forecasts; lead promotional execution, trade strategy, and account performance tracking.
Represent assigned accounts in cross-functional meetings, collaborating with internal teams such as marketing, supply chain, and finance.
Own day-to-day and strategic account management to win, maintain, and grow business.
Identify and develop new business opportunities, including new customers, channels, and private label initiatives.
Partner with marketing on product innovation, commercialization, and digital engagement strategies.
Balance tactical execution and strategic planning (approximately 50% / 50%).
Analyze complex business situations using both quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making.
Lead sales planning best practices, including pipeline management and Sales Action Planning processes.
Manage cross-functional projects at a strategic level.
Develop and execute growth strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
Maintain full budget and P&L responsibility for assigned accounts.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Strong negotiation, collaboration, and influencing skills with major retail customers
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; composed under pressure
Ability to thrive in a matrixed organization and work cross-functionally
High proficiency with data systems, analytics tools, and syndicated data
Understanding of traditional and digital paths to purchase
Strong organizational and time management skills
Self-starter with the ability to manage a dynamic workload
Skilled in presentation development, including PowerPoint
Medium level of Microsoft Office capabilities, specifically Excel.
Innovative, adaptable, and results-oriented
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field required; MBA preferred
Minimum 5+ years of food industry sales experience; Retail CPG experience preferred
Experience managing brokers preferred
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and performance management skills
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans
Strong understanding of the competitive landscape and industry trends
Track record of delivering sustained P&L growth
Travel Requirements
Remote role with approximately 40% travel required
Disclaimer: This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement: J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.