Retail Field Sales Strategy Director

CJ Schwan's; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 107,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement options

Total Rewards package

Job summary

CJ Schwan's, headquartered in Hopkins MN, seeks a Retail Field Sales Strategy Director to partner with the DSD organization, lead sales ops strategy, and drive smart processes for growth. You will steer cross-functional programs, turn data into insights, and guide a large team toward higher profitability.

The role emphasizes strategic execution, collaboration across functions, and a travel commitment up to 30%. A Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in related fields are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years in Sales Operations, DSD or related commercial ops.
• Experience with DSD models, field sales and retail execution.
• Proven cross-functional project leadership in decentralized orgs.
• Strong financial acumen including ROI, P&L, cost optimization.
• Ability to balance strategy with execution in a fast-paced env.

Responsibilities

• Lead DSD Go-To-Market strategy modernization with partners.
• Improve field sales effectiveness through AI, processes, and people.
• Turn data into actionable insights to drive growth and profitability.
• Manage projects from concept to implementation with clear metrics.
• Collaborate across Product, Sales, Finance, and Operations to scale initiatives.
• Identify gaps and implement innovative process improvements.
• Present compelling business cases to senior leaders
• Communicate plans and updates to stakeholders and partners
• Coach and develop team members toward high performance
• Travel up to 30% as required

Skills

DSD experience

Go-To-Market

Strategic storytelling

Data analysis

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

(role is based in our new HQ in Hopkins MN)

Lead Strategy. Drive Efficiency. Enable Growth.

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®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith's®. 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.

Are you a strategic "Chief of Staff" who thrives at the intersection of growth strategy and retail execution? We are looking for a Retail Field Sales Strategy Director to serve as a key enterprise business partner and chief of staff for our DSD (Direct Store Delivery) organization - a team of over 2,500 teammates. In this role, you'll lead the development of sales operations strategies, PMO for critical DSD modernization initiatives/execution, and partner cross-functionally to deliver smarter processes, stronger retail execution, and scalable business solutions.

What You Will Do

• Lead the modernization of our DSD Go-To-Market Strategy, including third-party and retail delivery models
• Optimize field sales effectiveness through AI/technology, process and people leadership/influence.
• Turn complex sales and operational data into actionable insights that improve execution and drive growth and profitability
• Lead high-impact projects from concept to implementation, with clear deliverables, timelines, and success metrics
• Partner across Product, Customer Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Legal, and Operations to launch and scale business initiatives to drive growth.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying process gaps, solving operational challenges, and implementing innovative solutions
• Influence senior leadership through story telling - leveraging data, strong business cases, and strategic recommendations
• Build communication plans and provide regular updates to stakeholders, leadership teams, and project partners
• Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering a high-performance, metrics-driven culture
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

What We Look For

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and 8+ years of progressive experience in Sales Operations, DSD, Supply Chain, or related commercial operations
• Experience with DSD business models, field sales & grocery retail execution, and operational process improvement
• Proven success leading cross-functional projects and driving change in complex, de-centralized organizations
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including ROI, P&L, retail and cost optimization experience
• Experience balancing strategy with execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 30% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may 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, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan's and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].