National Retail Sales Manager

THIS IS NOT A JOB AT FORCEBRANDSWe are seeking an accomplished CPG sales leader to drive national retail growth across a portfolio of established and emerging consumer brands. This highly influential role will partner directly with senior leadership to shape channel strategy, expand distribution, support product launches, and build the company’s future sales organization.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive national retail sales strategy.Secure new distribution across grocery, mass, club, convenience, specialty, drug, and other relevant retail channels.Establish and maintain direct relationships with key retail buyers and decision-makers.Lead buyer presentations, line reviews, new item submissions, negotiations, and annual account planning.Build strong partnerships with national and regional distributors.Create strategic account plans and proactively pursue new business opportunities.Directly manage priority accounts while overseeing brokers and external sales partners.Develop sales forecasts, promotional calendars, pricing strategies, and account-level targets.Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, and Finance to ensure profitable and successful program launches.Monitor distribution, velocity, promotional performance, margins, and account profitability.Evaluate which retailers, channels, products, and brands present the strongest growth potential.Recruit, develop, and lead a national sales team as the business expands.Qualifications7+ years of progressive sales experience within the CPG industry.Demonstrated success personally securing meaningful retail distribution.Direct sales experience within food, snacks, beverages, or a closely related consumer category.Established relationships with buyers at major national and regional retailers.Experience scaling emerging brands into larger regional or national retail programs.Strong relationships with distributors, brokers, and other CPG industry partners.Thorough understanding of retail economics, including margins, trade spend, promotions, deductions, slotting fees, and distributor economics.Strong forecasting, account planning, and commercial strategy capabilities.Experience effectively managing brokers while retaining direct ownership of customer relationships.Ability and interest in building and leading a high-performing sales organization.Self-directed and disciplined, with the ability to succeed in a remote working environment.Willingness and ability to travel extensively.