Customer Manager, Distributors & Grocery

As the Customer Manager for Distributors & Grocery at tru fru, you will play a pivotal role in driving growth and building deep customer partnerships. Working closely with an experienced National Account Manager, you will develop and execute strategic plans that deliver strong sales results and lasting customer value. You will guide a broker team, ensuring flawless execution and alignment with company goals across distributors and grocery accounts in the Eastern United States.

*This role is remote, but needs to be in the Northeastern United States to be near customers.

What you'll do

• Manage and grow relationships with key distributors including UNFI, KEHE, and C&S, as well as select grocery retailers such as Harris Teeter, Big Y, Giant Eagle, Price Chopper, Weis Markets, and Alliance Retail Group.
• Develop and implement consistent distributor strategies and processes that align with tru fru's overall business objectives.
• Partner closely with the broker team to maximize sales effectiveness, creating clear and actionable customer plans that can be executed consistently across accounts.
• Drive flawless execution of sales strategies including demand forecasting, trade expenditure management, and new item launches.
• Build and communicate compelling, customizable sales stories that equip the broker team to win at the customer level.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure sales plans are financially viable and operationally sound.
• Regularly assess performance against KPIs, keeping brokers and team members motivated and focused on delivering results.
• Drive digital commerce fundamentals, ensuring tru fru's products have accurate images, pricing, and descriptions across all relevant platforms.
• Leverage strong negotiation skills to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes with distributors, retailers, and broker partners.
• Travel frequently to trade shows and customer meetings to nurture and grow the business.

What you'll bring to tru fru

You are...

• A passionate retailer partner and brand enthusiast who shows up as an authentic ambassador for tru fru.
• Entrepreneurial and agile, with a knack for creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
• Execution-focused and highly organized, consistently driving initiatives to completion with efficiency and accuracy.
• A strategic communicator who builds strong, collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Data-driven, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic plans that produce real results.

You have...

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in a sales function, preferably within the CPG industry.
• Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and experience with Nielsen/IRI.
• Knowledge of MAPS strategy and demonstrated category and shopper acumen.
• Financial acumen and experience managing a customer P&L.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and expand market share.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the designated territory.

Pluses

• Master's degree in Business Administration.
• Experience with Trade Promotions Systems (TPM/SRM).

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.