Regional Account Manager (Remote)

Locally owned and operated since 1995, Winona Foods is proud to be a growing industry leader in innovative cheese manufacturing, converting, and distribution. We support a wide range of partners — from major dairy manufacturers to industrial, foodservice, and retail customers across the country.

As we invest in the future of our sales organization and continue to strengthen customer relationships across key channels, we are seeking a Regional Account Manager to help support long-term growth, expand market opportunities, and deepen partnerships with customers, distributors, and brokers.

This remote opportunity combines strategic account management, business development, distributor management, and channel expansion, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future growth of our organization.

Winona Foods. Imagine the Possibilities.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Vice President of Sales, the Regional Account Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth through the development and management of strategic customer relationships across foodservice and retail channels. This role serves as a key contributor to the company's sales strategy, with primary responsibility for growing and supporting foodservice customers and distributor relationships while helping expand Winona Foods' presence within retail markets.

The Regional Accounts Manager will develop and maintain strong business relationships with both new and existing customers while building strategic growth plans tailored to target markets. A significant portion of the role is dedicated to understanding and addressing the needs of foodservice providers and retail growth opportunities, ensuring that the company's offerings are competitive and that targets for margin and growth are met.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with established customer relationships while helping develop new business opportunities across both foodservice and retail channels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as the company may deem necessary from time to time.

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve company goals and expand market share within the food distributor network and retail accounts.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, including Sysco, US Foods, and retail customers.
• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders on RFPs, samples, and pricing processes, ensuring customer needs are understood and proposals are competitive while meeting volume and margin targets.
• Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities within foodservice and retail channels to support company growth objectives.
• Develop and train distributor and broker organizations to ensure market penetration.
• Stay alert to emerging opportunities to address the evolving needs of food distributors, foodservice customers, and retail customers, ensuring Winona Foods remains a preferred partner.
• Negotiate and manage sales contracts for specified customer base to deliver products and services according to plan.
• Represent Winona Foods at trade shows and industry events, creating, tracking, and following up on new business leads.
• Prepare sales volume budgets, targets, and forecasts.
• Utilize ERP systems (E21) and analytical tools such as Microsoft Power BI to analyze sales data, track performance metrics, and support strategic decision-making.
• Manage sales expenses within assigned budget.
• Provide regular sales forecasts and performance reports to the Vice President of Sales.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, or a related field plus 5-7 years of experience in sales and marketing of food products.
• Previous dairy and/or cheese industry experience preferred.
• Understanding of dairy and futures markets and their implications in marketing decisions.
• Proven track record of rapidly and consistently generating sales revenue.
• Experience managing regional and/or national foodservice, retail, or independent accounts and broker networks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong background in sales, particularly within the cheese or dairy industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of food distributor networks and their operations.
• Existing relationships within foodservice and/or retail channels preferred.
• Experience working with food distributors and/or retail accounts, developing sales strategies, responding to RFPs, and managing ongoing account performance.
• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams to support merchandising, product development, samples, pricing, and customer service initiatives.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, including Power BI.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel independently throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel as needed.
• Approximately 35-45% travel is required for customer visits, trade shows, and periodic visits to Winona Foods production facilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to meet company driving and insurance requirements.

Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Why Join Winona Foods?

• Remote sales opportunity with national reach.
• Ability to influence both established foodservice business and emerging retail growth initiatives.
• Opportunity to build upon established customer relationships while identifying and developing new business opportunities.
• Collaborative environment where relationships, initiative, and results matter.
• Join an organization investing in the future of its sales team and customer partnerships.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates subject to a pre-employment background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Winona Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these protected characteristics. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process.