Route Sales Director - Lewiston, Maine

Flowers Baking Co. Newton, LLC; Wilton (ME); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Flowers Foods, Inc. in Wilton, Maine, is seeking a Route Sales Director to lead Supervisors, Representatives and Trainees, manage customer relationships, and expand sales across routes. The role requires flexibility for non-traditional hours, weekends, and holidays, with a focus on improving sales performance and brand presence.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000–$85,000 per year, with eligibility for comprehensive benefits including health coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 routes.
• Plan and maintain a schedule of regular key account visits to build rapport and generate increased sales.
• Communicate sales strategies and develop customer relationships.

Skills

Team leadership

Retail sales

Sales strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Sales or Business Administration)

Job description

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2024 sales of $5.1 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflectsHonesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility.With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery – it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community.

Full-time employees are offered the following benefits:

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

Benefits may vary depending on your work location.

Bringing Home the Dough

The Route Sales Director (RSD) is responsible for managing company Route Sales Supervisors (RSS), Route Sales Representatives (RSR), and Route Sales Trainees (RST). Position is to manage customer relationships, engage in sales activities, grow customer base, seek new selling opportunities on the routes, and track sales data. Position will be responsible for developing recommended sales strategies to build sales, the customer base, and brand recognition. RSDs will work independently with minimal supervision. RSDs will review and analyze pertinent sales to drive compliance to company and customer marketing requirements. This position will provide updates and recommendations to the Company- Sales Operations Director and Company- Market Vice President to discuss ways to improve customer relationships and increase selling opportunities.

Position will require flexibility to work during non-traditional working hours and possibly on weekends and holidays.

Positions requires an incumbent with an eagerness to gain industry knowledge and to learn the skills necessary for success.

Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Motivate and lead a team of Route Sales Supervisors, Route Sales Representatives and Route Sales Trainees. Strengthen Route Sales execution and moral by properly following up on all associate concerns, giving clear and consistent direction and ensuring a safe workplace
• 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. Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program
• Meet with customers regularly to promote additional sales and brand awareness. Plan and maintain a schedule of regular key account visits to build rapport and generate increased sales
• 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. Track market conditions for customers as needed (business reviews)
• 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. Ensure routes balance
  weekly
• 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
  Lepage Bakeries Route Sales program
• Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program
• Must be able to obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
• Must meet the Fleet insurance Guidelines in relation to your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
• 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
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures (EEO, Sexual Harassment, Sarbanes – Oxley, Safety,
  etc.)
• Perform other duties which are deemed to be an integral part of the position, including but not limited to
  fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies,
  and procedures.

Knead to Know: Preferred Qualifications

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

Salary Range- $80k-$85k/year

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent total rewards package. Interested job seekers who successfully complete the series of pre-screening questions and who appear to possess the basic qualifications for this position may be contacted for a telephone interview.

EEO Statement

Flowers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Flowers encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or people of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The job description above outlines the general nature and level of work expected from employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this position. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

If you need assistance with submitting your resume due to a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Megan Normand at [e-mail] or(1) 207 3467466.

Flowers Foods' diverse work force of talented, dedicated employees is one of the company's most valuable assets. Flowers Foods provides excellent career opportunities and training in production, management, sales, and other areas. We provide competitive salaries and benefits and a pleasant working environment. Each Flowers bakery and sales company is an independent subsidiary and handles its own hiring through its human resources department. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.