Director, Sales - Kroger (Dairy, Frozen, Beverage Categories)

Here at Kraft Heinz, our US Sales team aspires to be an Indispensable Partner with a Growth and Winning Mindset, acutely focused on Superior Execution every day. This is our guiding compass to grow something great and make life delicious! 

This Director on our Kroger Sales Leadership Team will lead Kraft Heinz selling efforts, strategic development, and cross functional initiatives for our Dairy, Frozen, Beverage, and Mexican categories worth $900MM in annual sales. This includes but is not limited to the co-development of all future sales strategies including distribution, shelving and merchandising. This role reports directly to the AVP of Kroger and will be responsible for leading a team of 4. In addition to the direct full time employees this team will work closely with various cross functional partners including Supply Chain, Category Leadership, Finance, and Omni Shopper Marketing.  The Director of Sales shows a high level of ownership for their business and can communicate and influence senior executives, as well as internal and external stakeholders.   

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ·Lead Kraft Heinz business within these Categories to deliver sales, profit, and distribution targets and serve as an influential strategic partner with the Customer  

• Coach and develop employees to meet current and future needs of the company. 

• Seek excellence in distribution, innovation, shelving and pricing objectives 

• Effectively manage cross functional partnerships to exceed company objectives in Execution, OMNI, and Business Development 

• Develop and implement strategic plans in partnership with the customer 

• Maintain collaborative relationships with customer merchandising leadership and category managers, complete monthly business reviews, quarterly JBPs and various business meetings 

• Lead monthly business execution and sales forecast reviews 

• Manage communication and coordination with all internal partners including the Business Unit's, Finance, Supply Chain, Trade Marketing, and eCommerce 

• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to align goals to achieve strategic agenda, including monthly report outs; and knowledge share best practices critical to business success. 

• Align, promote, and integrate the company vision, mission, and values within the organization. Responsible for driving company culture inside and outside the team. 

Expected Experience & Required Skills 

• Relevant seasoned years of sales or commercial experience. 

• Prior leadership/direct managerial experience demonstrating the ability to lead and develop a team of sales professionals. 

• Exceptional communication skills with ability to deliver executive-level presentations to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Must have strong balance between analytical skills and executional skills.  

• Experience managing cross-functional relationships and collaborating with multiple groups within large complex matrixed organizations. 

• Strong financial competence to impact P&L management; Effective business planning and data-driven strategy for maintaining current and securing new customers.