District Sales Manager – Grocery/Retail / QSR

Lock Search Group; Canada; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for a District Sales Manager in the GTA. The role focuses on managing independent distributors and enhancing sales performance in grocery and retail industries. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience in food service sales and strong coaching abilities. This position offers opportunities for growth within a dynamic organization.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in food service, grocery, or bakery sales.
• Experience managing people, such as independent distributors or franchise operators.
• Strong merchandising knowledge and ability to identify business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support a network of independent distributors and route drivers.
• Deliver consistent sales execution plans and achieve sales/profitability targets.
• Coach, train, and develop distributor partners or franchise operators.

Skills

Sales Execution

Coaching

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

District Sales Manager – Grocery/Retail / QSR

Location: GTA

Are you passionate about building strong customer relationships, coaching independent distributors, and helping franchisees improve performance? Whether your background is in grocery retail (Direct Store Delivery) or working with franchisees in the quick-serve restaurant industry, this is a great opportunity to step into a District Sales Manager role and make an impact.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and support a network of independent distributors, route drivers, and demo contractors.
• Partner with grocery and bakery departments to ensure full in-stock position and optimal merchandising.
• Deliver consistent sales execution plans and achieve sales/profitability targets for the territory.
• Provide business reviews and category insights to retail customers.
• Coach, train, and develop distributor partners or franchise operators to enhance customer service and execution standards.
• Launch new products, implement promotions, and secure incremental space and displays.
• Participate in route planning, territory optimization, and distributor cash flow reviews.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of progressive experience in food service, grocery, or bakery sales.
• Experience managing people (e.g., independent distributors, route reps, or franchise operators).
• 3+ years of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) experience or experience working with franchisees in the quick-serve restaurant industry.
• Strong merchandising knowledge and the ability to identify business opportunities.
• Skilled communicator with strong presentation and negotiation abilities.
• Analytical mindset—able to forecast volume, plan for peak periods, and manage KPIs.
• Proficient in MS Office; experience with order entry systems a plus.
• Flexible, adaptable, and motivated by change and growth.

Why Join?

This is a chance to step into a leadership role that combines sales, operations, and people development. You’ll directly impact results, strengthen relationships with major retailers and franchise partners, and grow within a dynamic, performance-driven organization.

If you’re a driven sales leader with DSD or franchisee experience and a passion for execution, we’d love to connect. Apply now or reach out directly to learn more.