Wholesale Distribution Sales Manager

Location: Twin Cities Metro Area, MN
Territory: Minnesota & Western Wisconsin
Compensation: Up to $120,000 Base Salary + Performance-Based Incentives (DOE)

About the Opportunity

Pathway Talent Partners is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a rapidly growing food production and distribution company that is redefining quality, transparency, and customer service within the protein industry.

This organization has built a strong reputation for delivering premium products while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence, customer relationships, and sustainable growth. As demand continues to increase, the company is looking to add a high-energy sales professional who can expand market presence, develop new business opportunities, and strengthen relationships with customers across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial sales professional who enjoys building territory, creating meaningful customer partnerships, and helping shape the future growth of a company.

Position Summary

The Wholesale Distribution Sales Manager will be responsible for generating new business, managing key customer relationships, and driving revenue growth throughout the assigned territory.

This individual will serve as the face of the organization to distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, restaurants, and other wholesale customers. Success in this role requires a combination of strong relationship-building skills, business development experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, thrives in a growth-oriented environment, and is excited about helping build something special.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify, prospect, and secure new wholesale distribution opportunities throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.


• Develop relationships with distributors, grocery retailers, specialty markets, restaurants, foodservice providers, and other strategic customers.


• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline through networking, referrals, industry events, and direct outreach.


• Execute territory growth plans to achieve revenue and profitability objectives.

Account Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key customer accounts.


• Conduct regular customer visits to strengthen partnerships and identify growth opportunities.


• Collaborate with customers on product offerings, promotions, and sales strategies.


• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction through proactive communication and responsiveness.

Market Development

• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer preferences.


• Identify emerging market opportunities and new channels for growth.


• Provide customer and market feedback to leadership to support strategic decision-making.


• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and customer-facing functions.

Sales Strategy & Execution

• Develop sales forecasts and territory plans.


• Negotiate pricing, programs, and agreements within established guidelines.


• Partner closely with operations, production, and leadership teams to ensure successful execution and customer satisfaction.


• Maintain accurate sales activity, pipeline, and account information within CRM systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development, territory management, or wholesale sales experience.


• Proven track record of growing revenue and developing new customer relationships.


• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.


• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a growing team.


• Willingness to travel throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin on a regular basis.


• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Experience selling into wholesale distribution, grocery, foodservice, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods markets.


• Existing relationships within the Minnesota and Wisconsin food distribution ecosystem.


• Experience working in a high-growth or entrepreneurial business environment.


• CRM proficiency and strong organizational skills.


• Passion for food, agriculture, premium consumer products, or local sourcing initiatives.