Flowers Foods, Inc. is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the United States, with a strong commitment to diversity and fostering an inclusive environment. The Route Sales Director position is crucial for managing and supporting Route Sales Representatives (RSRs) in their efforts to build and maintain customer relationships, engage in sales activities, and expand their customer base. This role requires a proactive approach to seeking new selling opportunities in the market and tracking sales data effectively. The Route Sales Director will be responsible for developing recommended sales strategies aimed at increasing sales, enhancing brand recognition, and growing the customer base. In this position, the Route Sales Director will spend a significant amount of time interacting directly with customers and RSRs in the field. This hands-on approach is essential for understanding market dynamics and customer needs. The role involves working independently with minimal supervision, which requires strong decision-making skills and the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in carrying out job duties. The Route Sales Director will also be tasked with reviewing and analyzing relevant sales and marketing data, providing updates and recommendations to the Market VP to improve customer relationships and identify new selling opportunities. The responsibilities include overseeing general business operations within the assigned area, developing budgets, and collaborating with Business Units and Marketing on merchandising and advertising strategies. The Route Sales Director will advise RSRs on maintaining and developing customer relationships, plan regular visits to key accounts, and conduct weekly reviews with the Market VP to monitor sales data and personal growth objectives. Staying current on consumer insights and adjusting sales strategies accordingly is also a critical aspect of this role. Additionally, the Route Sales Director will ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, including those related to EEO, Sexual Harassment, and Safety.