Senior Sales Manager, New Jersey

Kiva Brands, Inc.; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiva Confections is seeking a Senior Sales Manager for New Jersey to lead the sales team, drive distribution, and grow top accounts. You will partner with our distribution ally, manage promotions, and forecast revenue while delivering strong ROI across leading NJ dispensaries.

Role requires 5+ years in CPG sales, ability to lead teams, and a data‑driven, cross‑functional approach to performance. Hybrid work, travel to field locations, and close collaboration with leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years sales experience in CPG (preferred brewery/regulated markets).
• Experience leading sales teams and driving revenue growth; cannabis industry a plus.
• Strong commercial acumen with pricing, promotions, assortment, distribution and inventory management.
• Data‑driven mindset using KPIs, forecasts and dashboards to guide decisions.
• Ability to build strategic retail partnerships and act as trusted advisor.
• Experience coaching sales teams to clear goals and execution standards.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and adapting to changing market dynamics.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and productivity tools (Salesforce, MS Office, Google Workspace).
• Proven distributor management experience and ability to execute an Annual Operating Plan.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the sales team across NJ to hit volume, distribution, and market share targets.
• Collaborate with partner Project Manager to align production, packaging, and inventory with Sales and Marketing plans.
• Deliver in‑store merchandising, programming, and promotions with Trade Marketing.
• Generate sales and ROI reports for marketing initiatives for internal and customer review.
• Drive quarterly sales goals and grow existing customer relationships.
• Lead planning meetings with partners and Kiva leadership.
• Manage leaflink-based business responsibilities and territory forecasts.

Skills

Sales leadership

CPG experience

Distributor management

CRM proficiency

Forecasting

Analytics

Relationship building

Cross‑functional collaboration

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Kiva Confections ( www.kivaconfections.com ) is a world‑class cannabis‑infused edibles company in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Kiva's line includes Kiva Chocolate Bars, Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Lost Farms Gummies & Chews, and Camino Gummies. Our products are crafted from premium ingredients and thoughtfully combined with California cannabis. Since our beginning in 2010, our goal has been to create confections that redefine what a cannabis confection ought to be. By applying art and science, we ensure a deliciously consistent experience.

We have high‑reaching growth plans as the legal market and consumer adoption expand. Key growth initiatives include ambitious platform innovation, outstanding marketing, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and more. We are resourced for this spectacular growth and looking for great people to help take us to the next level.

Job Summary

The Senior Sales Manager – New Jersey (SSM) will lead sales for Kiva Confections in these regions, driving results through strong partnerships with our distribution partner and top accounts. You’ll focus on meeting sales targets, establishing and growing business with key customers, and strengthening buyer relationships. This role is accountable for delivering key metrics, managing the sales team, implementing promotions, and building positive relationships in the region's leading dispensaries.

MUST reside in New Jersey!

As Kiva's Senior Sales Manager, New Jersey you will

• Lead, mentor, and develop the sales team in Illinois and Ohio to achieve critical metrics in volume, distribution, and market share.
• Collaborate with the partner Project Manager to ensure alignment across production, packaging, and inventory with Kiva's Sales and Marketing plans.
• Partner with the Trade Marketing Manager to deliver top‑notch in‑store merchandising, programming, and promotions.
• Generate timely sales and ROI reports for specific marketing initiatives for internal and customer review.
• Reach quarterly sales goals by driving growth initiatives with existing customers.
• Establish and manage a process utilizing Leaflink for business responsibilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with Kiva partners to support new and ongoing business, fostering collaboration.
• Communicate product launches and set associated sales targets.
• Travel to dispensaries to strengthen connections with the region's Top 30 dispensary managers and buyers.
• Track lead‑to‑sale in Salesforce.
• Develop and adjust yearly forecasts, run revenue and distribution reports, and identify growth opportunities within the territory.
• Lead monthly planning and quarterly business review meetings with partners and Kiva leadership.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years relevant sales experience in CPG
• Proven experience leading sales teams and driving revenue growth in a CPG, retail, or highly regulated environment; cannabis industry experience preferred
• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated ability to manage pricing, promotions, assortment, distribution, and inventory to drive performance.
• A data‑driven mindset with experience using sales metrics, forecasts, dashboards, and KPIs to guide decisions and performance conversations.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic retail partnerships, serving as a trusted advisor and long‑term partner.
• Experience coaching, developing, and holding sales teams accountable to clear goals and execution standards.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present insights and recommendations to field teams and senior leadership.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering closely with Sales Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and adapting quickly as market dynamics, regulations, or business priorities change.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and productivity tools (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Proven distributor management experience, with demonstrated ability to effectively execute an Annual Operating Plan through distributor leadership and field teams
• Eligible to meet Kiva's Motor Vehicle Report requirements.

$118,000 - $135,000 a year

Salary plus quarterly bonus. Please note, we consider a number of factors such as internal pay parity, relevant experience/skills, geographic location, etc.

Work Environment

• This role operates in a hybrid work environment, combining remote work with regular time spent in the field and at customer locations. The work environment includes:
• Working from a home office with regular use of a computer, phone, and video conferencing tools.
• Frequent travel within assigned markets to visit retail partners, attend meetings, and support in‑market execution.
• Time spent standing or walking in retail environments, including dispensaries and events.
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams and sales leadership across multiple time zones.
• Participation in sales meetings, trainings, and industry events that may require extended periods of standing or activity.
• A fast‑paced, results‑driven environment that requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while working at a computer, participating in meetings, or traveling.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods in retail environments, events, and customer locations.
• Ability to travel by car or plane as required, which may include carrying and handling personal or work‑related materials.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment for prolonged periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and via video conferencing.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds, such as samples, displays, or presentation materials.