Route Sales Director

$90,000 - $90,000/Yr

Flowers Bakeries - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Los Angeles, CA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Route Sales Director (RSD) at Flowers Foods, Inc. plays a pivotal role in managing the Route Sales Supervisors (RSS), Route Sales Representatives (RSR), and Route Sales Trainees (RST). This position is essential for fostering customer relationships, engaging in sales activities, and expanding the customer base. The RSD is tasked with identifying new selling opportunities on the routes and meticulously tracking sales data to inform strategic decisions. The role requires the development of effective sales strategies aimed at enhancing sales performance, increasing brand recognition, and building a loyal customer base. In this capacity, the RSD operates with a significant degree of independence, requiring minimal supervision while ensuring compliance with company and customer marketing requirements. Regular updates and recommendations will be provided to the Sales Operations Director and Market Vice President, focusing on improving customer relationships and maximizing selling opportunities. The position demands flexibility, as it may involve working during non-traditional hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of the business and its customers. The RSD is also responsible for motivating and leading a team, overseeing business operations on assigned routes, and ensuring adherence to key performance indicators. This includes conducting regular customer visits to promote sales and brand awareness, collaborating with senior management to analyze market conditions, and managing daily route settlement requirements. The RSD will also play a crucial role in recruiting, training, and developing new sales representatives, ensuring that all team members adhere to the standards and requirements of the Route Sales program. Overall, the RSD is a key driver of sales success and operational excellence within the company.

Responsibilities

• Motivate and lead a team of Route Sales Supervisors, Route Sales Representatives, and Route Sales Trainees.
• Oversee general business operations and activities on assigned company-operated routes.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in carrying out job duties.
• Manage route performance to the key performance indicators; drive compliance to best practices of Lepage company route sales requirements.
• Meet with customers regularly to promote additional sales and brand awareness.
• Collaborate with Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to analyze market and route operations to identify voids and sales opportunities and reduce cost.
• Conduct weekly reviews with Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to monitor personal growth objectives.
• Stay current on consumer insights and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
• Call on potential opportunities to acquire new customers.
• Work with Route Sales Supervisors, Route Sales Representatives, Route Sales Trainees, and retail management on product promotions, displays, and other opportunities to build sales.
• Establish and maintain strong customer relations to effectively communicate sales solutions and improve customer satisfaction.
• Manage daily route settlement requirements of RSSs, RSRs, and RSTs: ensure accurate product quantities, accurate invoicing, accurate inventory counts and adherence to the cash collection policy.
• As needed, operate company routes, and provide coverage of routes to ensure service to customers is not jeopardized or interrupted.
• Recruit, interview, hire and train new Route Sales Representatives and Route Sales Specialists.
• Issue performance improvement plans as needed to ensure adherence to the requirements and standards of Route Sales program.
• Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program.
• Ensure compliance of assigned company operated routes to all company policies, Department of Transportation (DOT) policies, as well as local and federal regulations.
• Review company fleet and property regularly to ensure trucks and all company property (warehouses, trays, dollies) are always in safe working order and up to the standards of the company.
• Safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) more than 10,000 pounds.
• Perform other duties which are deemed to be an integral part of the position.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in general management or sales.
• Minimum of 1 year in retail sales in food and beverage preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Sales or Business Administration.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and medical benefits
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan
• Professional growth and leadership training
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave