Alternative Channels Sales Manager

Role Overview

• The Alternative Channels Sales Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and growing 1440 Foods’ presence across Drug, Value, Health & Fitness, and Retail Specialty channels.
• This role drives distribution, velocity, and brand visibility by building strong distributor and retail partnerships, while leading execution across a diverse set of accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with natural, specialty, and broadline distributors including Muscle Foods, Village Grocers, and regional partners.
• Create monthly and quarterly promotion activity for regional distributors to drive incremental placement and close distribution gaps.
• Conduct regular business reviews with distributor representatives to track performance, identify gaps, and execute joint business plans.
• Train and educate distributor sales teams on 1440 Foods' product portfolio, selling points, and brand story.
• Manage deductions, credits, and promotional programs within established guidelines.
• Call on national and regional drug chain buyers and store-level decision makers (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, regional chains).
• Secure new distribution and expand shelf placement for 1440 Foods SKUs in the health, nutrition, and grab-and-go sets.
• Execute promotional programs, endcaps, and secondary placement opportunities.
• Monitor planogram compliance and conduct store audits to ensure proper merchandising standards.
• Develop and grow business within value and dollar channel accounts (e.g., Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General).
• Present tailored assortments and value-pack configurations aligned to channel shopper profiles.
• Partner with trade marketing team to develop channel-specific programs and promotional pricing strategies.
• Call on gyms, fitness studios, CrossFit boxes, and corporate wellness accounts.
• Drive trial and sales growth through growing ACV, managing core business and new product placements.
• Identify and convert new accounts within the fitness community and develop account-specific promotional plans.
• Open new, manage, and grow existing health food store accounts, including Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, independents, co-ops, and regional natural chains.
• Secure prominent shelf placement and in-store promotional support.
• Leverage distributor relationships to drive pull-through and replenishment at store level.
• Partner with brokers where applicable to maximize coverage and account penetration.
• Track weekly and monthly sales performance against targets using CRM tools and distributor portals.
• Analyze sell-in vs. sell-through data to identify trends, gaps, and growth opportunities.
• Provide accurate forecasts and account-level volume projections to the sales leadership team.
• Submit timely call reports, expense reports, and account activity summaries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 5–8 years of CPG sales experience, preferably in the Natural, Health & Fitness, Drug, and Value channels.
• Demonstrated experience calling on distributors and managing multi-channel retail accounts.
• Strong understanding of the natural and specialty retail landscape, including distributor dynamics.
• Ability to analyze sales data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Proficiency in sales and analytics tools such as Power BI, Exceedra, IRI, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage a large territory independently.
• Experience with speciality distributors is a plus.
• Knowledge of wellness and functional food/beverage trends.
• Passion for health, fitness, and performance nutrition preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 40%.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Career development and growth opportunities