Sales Director - Private Label Pizza & Desserts

CJ Schwan's; Minneapolis, Saint Paul (MN, MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Car allowance

Annual incentive bonus

Competitive retirement plan

Time off program

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s seeks an experienced Sales Director to lead private label strategies nationwide, driving profitable sales growth and strengthening customer partnerships. This role partners across the organization to develop solutions and execute key initiatives that align with business objectives.

The ideal candidate is strategic, results-driven, and skilled at building relationships, leading through influence, and developing high-performing teams. MBA and 10+ years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) with 10+ years of experience in customer marketing, commercialization, category management, product management, or a related commercial role.
• Experience managing product portfolios or leading commercialization initiatives ideally within the private label space.
• Strong understanding of product strategy and development, category insights, customer development, and commercial execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans that drive revenue, profitability, and sustainable customer growth.
• Lead key customer relationships and serve as a strategic partner to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify market, customer, and competitive opportunities and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, innovations, and customer priorities.
• Establish clear goals and performance measures and communicate business results, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership.
• Drive innovative solutions and change initiatives that improve business and customer performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop sales talent to build a high-performing, accountable team.

Skills

Strategic sales leadership

Relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

People development

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred)

Job description

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.

We are seeking an experienced Sales Director to lead private label national customer strategies that drive profitable sales growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and deliver business objectives. This role provides strategic sales leadership while partnering across the organization to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and drive successful execution.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-oriented leader who builds strong customer relationships, leads through influence, and develops high-performing teams.

What You Will Do

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans that drive revenue, profitability, and sustainable customer growth.
• Lead key customer relationships and serve as a strategic partner to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify market, customer, and competitive opportunities and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, innovations, and customer priorities.
• Establish clear goals and performance measures and communicate business results, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership.
• Drive innovative solutions and change initiatives that improve business and customer performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop sales talent to build a high-performing, accountable team.

What We Look For

• Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) with 10+ years of experience in customer marketing, commercialization, category management, product management, or a related commercial role.
• Experience managing product portfolios or leading commercialization initiatives ideally within the private label space
• Strong understanding of product strategy and development, category insights, customer development, and commercial execution.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead initiatives across Sales, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality.
• Strong analytical, financial, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to translate insights into business results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational chang
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing teams

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $200,000 annually, with eligibility for a 30% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance and car allowance. 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].