Director Retail Operations Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

(role based at our new HQ in Hopkins MN)

Lead Strategy. Drive Efficiency. Enable Growth.

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron, bibigo, Tony's, Big Daddy's, Freschetta, Pagoda, Edwards and Mrs. Smith's. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Are you a strategic operator who thrives at the intersection of sales, analytics, and execution? We're looking for a Director of Field Sales Strategy to serve as a key business partner and change leader responsible for optimizing field sales effectiveness, improving operational efficiency, and driving high-impact retail initiatives across the organization.

In this role, you'll lead the development of sales operations strategies, oversee critical DSD (Direct Store Delivery) initiatives/execution, and partner cross-functionally to deliver smarter processes, stronger retail execution, and scalable business solutions.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and evolve our DSD Go-To-Market Strategy, including third-party and retail delivery models
• Optimize field sales effectiveness through improved tools, technology, people leadership and streamlined selling processes
• Turn complex sales and operational data into actionable insights that improve execution and drive growth and profitability
• Lead high-impact projects from concept to implementation, with clear deliverables, timelines, and success metrics
• Partner across Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Legal, and Operations to launch and scale business initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying process gaps, solving operational challenges, and implementing innovative solutions
• Influence senior leadership through data, strong business cases, project charters, and strategic recommendations
• Build communication plans and provide regular updates to stakeholders, leadership teams, and project partners
• Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering a high-performance, metrics-driven culture
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

What We Look For:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 8+ years of progressive experience in Sales Operations, DSD, Supply Chain, or related commercial operations
• Experience and understanding of DSD business models, field sales & grocery retail execution, and operational process improvement
• Proven success leading cross-functional projects and driving change in complex, de-centralized organizations
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including ROI, P&L, retail and cost optimization experience
• Experience balancing strategy with execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 - $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 30% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan's and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.