Area Sales & Distribution Manager - Central IL

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima ®, Chef One ®, Twin Marquis ® and Minh®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

 

We’re seeking an Area Sales & Distribution Manager to lead a high-performing sales and distribution team serving Central IL and the surrounding area. If you thrive on being agile and adjusting on the fly to make things happen and enjoy that not every day is the same, this is a great role for you! You will be empowered to develop your team & ensure plans for success are executed to win in the market.

 

 Responsibilities:

• Manages staff to achieve sales and distribution goals & objectives, as well as support / operate within Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines and implementation of safety practices.
• Manages staff to ensure the maximization of sales and provide support of store level sales opportunities through in-store promotions and customer service.
• Manages staff to ensure the maximization of delivery truck utilization 
• Manages the preparation of distribution, truck maintenance, DOT compliance, dynamic routing, and pre-trip/post-trip execution.
• Manages the recruitment hiring training and development of all team members.
• Prepares and presents financial and budget reports to management on status and key performance indicators.
• Monitors ongoing team members performance, communicate results, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Analyze all sales & distribution data and reports to make relevant business decisions.
• Manages customer relationships through continuous communications between sales, merchandising and operations to ensure maximum efficiencies and customer service.
• Ensures compliance and implementation of all company safety and DOT policies and procedures.
• Responsible to conduct yourself and ensure your team members conduct themselves in a manner consistent with company mission, values, code of ethics, policies and other standards of conduct.
• Requires being in the field working with your team at least 3 days a week.
• Territory may require some overnight travel.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience in a role involving sales, sales operations, or route delivery/distribution. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and sales and/or Direct Store Delivery (DSD) experience in the food industry

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of financial/business requirements.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience presenting information in group settings to a wide variety of audiences.
• Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Must meet the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) driver eligibility medical certification requirements and must possess a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) from state of residence in order to operate a Class B commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26001 lbs. or greater.

 

 Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $66,000 - $90,000 annually with eligibility for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) bonus up to 20%, based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs