Area Sales and Distribution Manager - Charleston, SC

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies!   We bring families and communities together through great food.  Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table! 

We’re seeking an Area Sales & Distribution Manager to lead a high-performing sales and distribution team serving Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA markets. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys being in the field, and is driven to deliver results through strong people leadership, operational excellence, and customer-focused execution.

What We Offer:

• Competitive total rewards benefits package, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and a 401(k) with company match
• A growing company with strong, recognizable brands
• Opportunities for advancement

What You Will Do:

• Lead and develop your team through recruiting, hiring, training, performance coaching, and ongoing development, ensuring alignment with company mission, values, ethics, and conduct standards
• Drive sales and customer success by guiding your team to meet sales and distribution goals, maximize in-store opportunities, and deliver strong merchandising, promotional execution, and exceptional service to retail partners
• Oversee distribution operations including truck utilization, dynamic routing, fleet maintenance, Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, and pre-trip/post-trip execution
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance by enforcing all company safety practices and DOT guidelines across the team
• Monitor business performance by reviewing team metrics, analyzing sales and distribution data, and providing insights to support strategic decisions and continuous improvement
• Prepare and present reports to leadership, including financial, operational, and key performance indicators
• Maintain field presence by riding with your team at least three days per week to coach, support execution, and understand market needs; role includes some overnight travel

What We Look For:

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in sales, sales operations, distribution, or related leadership roles
• Ability to meet Federal DOT medical certification requirements
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from the state of residence to operate a commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or greater
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Strong time-management and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Prior Direct Store Delivery (DSD) or food industry experience
• Experience presenting and influencing in group settings

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $66,000–$110,000 annually, with eligibility for an annual incentive bonus of up to 20% based on organizational performance. This salary range reflects a variety of factors considered in the hiring process, including but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, and geography. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) may fall anywhere within the stated range.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Food Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.

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