Area Sales Manager (Food Service) - Southern California

Gellert Global Group consists of many of the leading North American food importing companies (Atalanta Corporation, Camerican International, Finica, Tipico Cheese Products) and has been importing food products for over 100 years. The combined revenues of GGG exceed $1.7 billion. GGG companies provide strength in sourcing, insurance, finance, logistics, food safety, and information technology, and supply the needs of retailers, distributors, food service chains, hotels, cruise lines, and food manufacturers alike.

The Area Sales Manager - Southern California will report to the Director of Sales - Foodservice. Gellert Global Group is excited and committed to growing our Foodservice sales and our mission is to be part of every food experience; this position is integral to our future growth. We are seeking an experienced and motivated sales professional to contribute to the overall growth, focusing on expanding existing Foodservice distributors and Chain customers.

This is a remote position. Candidates should be based in Southern California.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Customer Development

• Drive portfolio growth by strengthening relationships with Foodservice Distributors, Operators, chain restaurants, B2B, and emerging channels.
• Achieve annual sales and profit targets for the region.
• Identify and capitalize on new opportunities with key customers.
• Train distributor sales teams and brokers on the GGG ‘Good, Better, Best’ approach; Collaborate with brokers to implement the GGG sales plan.
• Provide insights to support successful new item launches.
• Lead customer presentations to drive business reviews, secure distribution, and optimize promotions.
• Leverage syndicated data to identify growth opportunities.
• Share best practices with ASMs to ensure aligned messaging and execution.
• Monitor customer trends and collaborate with Business Development to anticipate future opportunities.

Trade Management & Administration

• Manage trade budgets to achieve 97-100% of targets in partnership with the sales team and pricing & promotions teams.
• Collaborate with trade promotions and deduction management teams to track trade budgets and resolve disputed deductions.
• Develop annual sales execution plans with internal stakeholders to drive category growth.
• Work with the Customer Service Team to ensure accurate communication on orders, changes, and special requests.
• Maintain and renew pricing agreements with key accounts.

Data & Analytics

• Stay informed on FS customer data through syndicated sources (e.g., Technomics) and partner with the Business Development Team on market insights (e.g., market share, price tracking, crop data).
• Monitor competitive activity and adjust promotional strategies to protect and grow market share.

Required skills:

• BA/BS degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Food Science, Marketing, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience or more in sales related role
• Specialty sales management in retail or foodservice channels; food importing industry experience preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Effective problem solver; proactive
• Ability to deal with complex situations and prioritize demands
• Flexible, self-starter with strong work ethic; results driven
• Excellent analytical skills
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Highly proficient in all MS Office applications,
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to travel 50%+
• Specialty cheese experience/certification preferred

Salary Range: $62,000 - $120,000 annually

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, Company-paid life, accident and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts
• Wealth: Competitive pay, annual bonus opportunity, matching 401(k) with immediate vesting upon enrollment, generous employee referral program
• Happiness:
  • Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, education assistance program
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work schedules (subject to your location and role)
  • Team Building: Employee engagement and recognition programs, wellness, philanthropic and DE&I initiatives, Company-sponsored celebrations, and team-building events

The Gellert Global Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. Gellert Global Group is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].