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District Sales Manager – AWG Warehouse Accounts

Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Hybrid

The District Sales Manager – AWG Warehouse Accounts is responsible for driving sales growth, execution excellence, and operational performance across assigned Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) warehouse territories. Initially focused on the Springfield, Missouri AWG warehouse, this position serves as the primary field representative between Lewis Bakeries, AWG, independent retailers, and key account customers to ensure outstanding execution of Lewis brands.

This role combines warehouse operations support, customer relationship management, retail execution, and business development to maximize sales opportunities while maintaining the high service standards Lewis Bakeries is known for. As the AWG program expands, this position may assume responsibility for additional warehouse territories.

About Lewis Bakeries

Lewis Bakeries is a family-owned and operated company founded by three brothers in 1925 in Anna, Illinois. Lewis primarily bakes loaf bread, buns, and rolls under trusted brands including Bunny Bread, Lewis Bake Shop, Healthy Life, and other regional favorites.

Today, Lewis Bakeries operates facilities in LaPorte, Fort Wayne, Vincennes, and Evansville, Indiana, as well as Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our heritage has been built on quality, reliability, and a commitment to our customers since 1925. Every day, the Lewis family and our dedicated associates rise to the challenge of baking the very best bakery products while maintaining a forward-thinking passion for growth and innovation.

What Makes Us Great

At Lewis Bakeries, we believe in rewarding our employees with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that supports their health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Exceptional Total Rewards Package

In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy a benefits package that provides significant financial value, including:

• Medical coverage with weekly premiums as low as $10 and a low-deductible plan design
• Comprehensive dental coverage, including orthodontic benefits for dependent children
• Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation time and paid holidays
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Professional development opportunities and long-term career growth

Additional reasons employees choose Lewis Bakeries:

• Family-owned company with over 100 years of baking excellence
• Stable and growing organization with a long history of success
• Collaborative culture that values employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a key member of the bakery leadership team
• Opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement

Key Responsibilities

AWG Warehouse Operations (Approximately 25%)

• D Serve as the primary Lewis Bakeries representative within the Springfield AWG warehouse.
• Monitor daily warehouse operations to ensure Lewis programs are executed according to company standards.
• Assist with purchase order management and forecast accuracy to support optimal inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify inventory issues, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage basket return processes and improve asset utilization.
• Coordinate with transportation teams to ensure efficient product movement and delivery performance.
• Identify operational challenges and partner with internal and external stakeholders to implement solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen warehouse execution and customer service.

Key Account Management (Approximately 25%)

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key AWG customers, including major retail groups such as Harps Food Stores, Pyramid Foods, and other strategic accounts.
• Conduct regular customer visits to understand business needs and identify growth opportunities.
• Partner with customer leadership to improve sales performance, merchandising execution, and promotional effectiveness.
• Resolve customer issues quickly while maintaining exceptional service levels.
• Collaborate with internal Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to support customer initiatives.

Independent Retail Execution (Approximately 35%)

• Visit independent retail locations supplied through the Springfield AWG warehouse to ensure outstanding marketplace execution.
• Monitor shelf conditions, product availability, merchandising standards, pricing, and promotional compliance.
• Support new item launches, seasonal programs, and retail activations.
• Identify opportunities to expand distribution and improve shelf presence.
• Provide merchandising guidance and sales support to store operators.
• Monitor competitive activity and communicate marketplace insights to leadership.
• Build strong relationships with independent retailers to grow Lewis Bakeries' market share.

Business Development & Administrative Responsibilities (Approximately 15%)

• Support development of new warehouse partnerships and customer opportunities.
• Assist with onboarding additional AWG warehouse customers as the program expands.
• Prepare sales reports, customer updates, forecasts, and business reviews.
• Collaborate with internal teams on strategic sales initiatives.
• Maintain accurate customer records and activity documentation.
• Participate in sales meetings, planning sessions, and training programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of sales experience within consumer packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, wholesale distribution, or Direct Store Delivery (DSD).
• Experience managing customer relationships with wholesalers, distributors, grocery retailers, or warehouse customers preferred.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, merchandising, and retail execution.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Work Environment & Travel

• Candidates should reside within approximately two hours of the Springfield, Missouri AWG warehouse.
• Frequent travel throughout the assigned territory is required, including warehouse visits, customer meetings, and retail store visits.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required to support meetings, training, or expansion into additional warehouse locations.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Growth in sales volume across assigned AWG warehouse accounts.
• Forecast accuracy and inventory performance.
• Retail execution and shelf compliance.
• Customer satisfaction and relationship development.
• Successful execution of promotional programs and new product launches.
• Expansion of distribution and new business opportunities.
• Operational improvements within warehouse execution.
• Collaboration with internal teams to support company growth initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lewis Bakeries is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or Vietnam era or other protected veteran status.

All candidates must successfully complete a background check, drug test and reference check for further consideration.

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