Associated Wholesale Grocers

Sales Manager

Associated Wholesale Grocers

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Kansas City • Kansas • United States

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About the role

  • Lead and oversee the weekly base ad planning process for all divisions, selecting core items that drive value, margin, and member competitiveness.
  • Negotiate with vendors to secure promotional funding, TPRs, EDLCs, and ad specific discounts to support print and digital advertising.
  • Ensure ad mixes align with category strategies, seasonal needs, consumer trends, and member expectations.
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure timely item setup, price accuracy, and execution readiness.
  • Build strong relationships with vendor partners to support long term promotional planning.
  • Drive collaborative conversations to secure competitive trade support for ad programs.
  • Represent AIM in top to top vendor meetings focused on ad planning, investment growth, and strategic alignment.
  • Establish clear sales goals, workflow expectations, and performance measures.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Work closely with Category Management, Procurement, Merchandising, Retail Marketing, and division teams to ensure ad plans are executable and aligned with business needs.
  • Provide analysis on item performance, vendor funding trends, and member needs.
  • Attend and represent AWG at industry conferences, AWG food shows, and division meetings.
  • Deliver presentations to internal teams, member retailers, and external vendor partners.
  • Communicate AIM strategies and promotional opportunities with professional presence and confidence.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Sales, or related field—or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in ad planning, category management, vendor relations, promotions, or CPG/retail/wholesale merchandising.
  • Demonstrated success negotiating with CPG manufacturers or retail/wholesale partners.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence across levels.
  • Ability to travel (15-20%).
  • Experience in wholesale grocery, retail grocery, or cooperative business environments.
  • Strong knowledge of promotional planning, TPR/EDLC structures, and vendor trade programs.
  • Familiarity with syndicated data, category management tools, and retail pricing systems.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
  • 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Wellness Program
  • Yearly Holiday Bonus
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
ad planningcategory managementvendor relationspromotionsnegotiationpromotional planningTPREDLCvendor trade programsdata analysis
Soft Skills
communicationpresentationinfluencecollaborationaccountabilitycontinuous improvementrelationship buildingstrategic alignmentworkflow managementsales goal setting
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in BusinessBachelor’s degree in MarketingBachelor’s degree in MerchandisingBachelor’s degree in Sales