Who We Are

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.

What We Do

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc.

Overview of the Role The Director of Grocery Sales - UNFI is responsible for maximizing the sales performance, revenue and financial goals of our clients at UNFI Conventional. Assist in business development initiatives to grow additional grocery categories nationally. Interact with Business Development Managers to execute client strategies at Target. Location: Hybrid - Eden Prairie, MN Office (3 days in office) Salary range $120,000 - $140,000 based on experience, qualifications and skills Travel Requirements: 20% - Client sales meetings; major Industry shows and client/retailer events: Sweets & Snacks Expo, UNFI Trade shows, client national sales meetings. Experience calling on UNFI Conventional required; UNFI HQ category manager & senior leadership connectivity preferred. What You'll do at C.A. Carlin Lead sales-related activities on behalf of our clients to ensure maximum sales & profitability results. Liaison between our clients & UNFI HQ & retailers providing "best in class" & timely communication Client Service management for strategic clients; managing KPI's, strategies, annual planning & promotional goals to grow sales & revenue. Responsible for Centralized HQ management & national downstream retailer communication of strategy, promo planning, shipper & seasonal programs, trade, and innovation ACV distribution goals. Assist with client negotiations & provide solutions to overcome challenges; unique ideas & opportunities desired. Analyze data to identify trends, gaps, and growth opportunities. Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activity, and customer needs. Prepare quarterly & annual business reviews for both clients & C.A. internal team(s). Manage Business Development Managers, lead by example through professionalism, work ethic, and customer focus. Monitor and evaluate individual and team performance against KPIs and targets What You Should Bring to the Table Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset eager to develop sales for our clients. Passion for industry with proven examples of growing brands at retail. Possesses strong & effective presentation & negotiation skills Demonstrates exceptional relationship-building & management skills. Effectively interact and communicate with merchants, senior management, clients, & internal teams. Understands & utilizes data & category insights to create best-in-class sales presentations. Strong knowledge of UNFI's systems, policies, procedures, and ways of working Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision Possesses strong management & organizational skills. Minimum of five years' sales experience directly with UNFI HQ & downstream retailers. High degree of proficiency in Windows and related software applications to include Excel, Word, Power Point, and database management In-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry in grocery channel trade, customers, category, competitive products, and industry trends You Will Stand Out if You Have Extensive experience working for or with a food & beverage broker/sales agency or consumer packaged goods Target merchant and key decision maker connectivity highly preferred. Director level experience leading people. Perks 16 days of PTO 11 paid company holidays per year 2 paid volunteer days per year Bonus eligible 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) Medical, dental, and vision Paid company life insurance 401k with company match Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)

Come As You Are

C.A. Carlin is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.