Sales Manager

Area Sales Manager - Quincy, IL Area / West Division

Full-Time | Exempt | Quincy, IL Marketing Area

The Area Sales Manager is responsible for driving sales growth, excellence, and operational performance amongst their sales team. We are seeking a results-driven Sales Manager to lead and grow our business within the Lexington, KY market. This role is responsible for driving sales performance, strengthening key customer relationships, and developing a high-performing team in a fast-paced, big-box retail environment.

This role combines leadership of a sales team, customer relationship management, retail execution, and business development to maximize sales opportunities while maintaining the high service standards Lewis Bakeries is known for.

About Lewis Bakeries

Lewis Bakeries is a family-owned and operated company founded by three brothers in 1925 in Anna, Illinois. Lewis primarily bakes loaf bread, buns, and rolls under trusted brands including Bunny Bread, Lewis Bake Shop, Healthy Life, and other regional favorites.

Today, Lewis Bakeries operates facilities in LaPorte, Fort Wayne, Vincennes, and Evansville, Indiana, as well as Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our heritage has been built on quality, reliability, and a commitment to our customers since 1925. Every day, the Lewis family and our dedicated associates rise to the challenge of baking the very best bakery products while maintaining a forward-thinking passion for growth and innovation.

What Makes Us Great

At Lewis Bakeries, we believe in rewarding our employees with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that supports their health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Exceptional Total Rewards Package

In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy a benefits package that provides significant financial value, including:

• Medical coverage with weekly premiums as low as $10 and a low-deductible plan design
• Comprehensive dental coverage, including orthodontic benefits for dependent children
• Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation time and paid holidays
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Professional development opportunities and long-term career growth

Additional reasons employees choose Lewis Bakeries:

• Family-owned company with over 100 years of baking excellence
• Stable and growing organization with a long history of success
• Collaborative culture that values employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a key member of the bakery leadership team
• Opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement

Key Responsibilities

Key Account Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team to achieve and exceed sales volume and performance targets
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers in a big-box retail environment
• Recruit, train, and develop merchandisers to meet customer expectations and business objectives
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity; provide insights and recommendations to leadership
• Execute company sales strategies to drive growth and customer satisfaction
• Ensure team adherence to safety, compliance, and professional standards
• Provide regular performance feedback and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of sales experience within consumer-packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, wholesale distribution, or Direct Store Delivery (DSD).
• Experience managing, leading, and driving a sales team is preferred.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, merchandising, and retail execution.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record, including operating a box truck

Work Environment & Travel

• Candidates should reside within approximately two hours of the assigned territory.
• Frequent travel throughout the assigned territory is required, including store visits, sales manager meetings, retail store visits, and covering and assisting working accounts.
• Overnight travel may be required to support meetings, training, covering PTO, call-offs, and working accounts.

Success Measures

• Success Measures
• Success in this role will be measured through:
• Growth in sales volume across assigned accounts.
• Forecast accuracy and inventory performance.
• Retail execution and shelf compliance.
• Customer satisfaction and relationship development.
• Successful execution of promotional programs and new product launches.
• Success in sales gain year after year in assigned accounts.
• Collaboration with internal teams to support company growth initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lewis Bakeries is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or Vietnam era or other protected veteran status.

All candidates must successfully complete a background check, drug test and reference check for further consideration.

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