[Hiring] Kroger National Sales Manager @F S Produce Company Inc

Join the Fresh Revolution with F&S Fresh Foods!

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada —every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers—from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh—from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work from coast to coast, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day.

Grow Your Career with one of our top strategic partners as our Kroger National Sales Manager; Join our Team and Harvest Success!

As the Kroger National Sales Manager for the produce & deli categories, you will be the driving force behind sales growth, margin expansion, and strategic collaboration across Kroger’s expansive enterprise. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of fresh, perishable offerings, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality products while achieving company objectives.

Be the primary point of contact for Kroger category managers and buyers while leading cross-functional internal efforts to deliver on customer objectives and company goals. Success requires strong category expertise, retailer insight, data-driven decision-making, and a collaborative leadership style.

If you’re a seasoned sales leader fluent in Kroger’s operational language and passionate about driving growth in the fresh, perishable produce & deli categories, this role offers a strategic platform to make a significant impact!

Principal Responsibilities:

Customer & Account Management

• Own the full P&L responsibility for the Kroger deli account across banners and divisions.
• Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with Kroger buyers, merchandisers, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Lead annual Joint Business Planning (JBP) with Kroger; ensure alignment on volume targets, promotional calendars, and innovation initiatives.
• Manage item lifecycle including new item presentations, pricing negotiations, discontinuations, and resets.

Sales Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute customer-specific sales plans that meet or exceed revenue, volume, and margin targets. Recommends new business strategies to continuously strengthen competitive position in markets.
• Collaborate with category management and marketing to deliver customized solutions and retail programs.
• Coordinate with demand planning and supply chain teams to ensure consistent service levels, forecasting accuracy, and inventory flow.
• Monitor retail pricing, distribution, promotional effectiveness, and competitive activity.

Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Identify white space opportunities within Kroger produce and deli subcategories (e.g., ready-to-eat meals, grab-and-go, plant-based).
• Drive commercialization of innovation pipeline in partnership with R&D and marketing.
• Translate shopper and consumer insights into tailored programs that build category and brand value.

Internal Leadership & Reporting

• Serve as the voice of Kroger internally, ensuring customer requirements are clearly communicated across operations, QA, R&D, and finance.
• Provide regular business performance updates, forecasts, and sales analytics to senior leadership.
• Lead customer-specific cross-functional teams and project initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to trade spend guidelines and ROI metrics.
• Develop internal team. 

• Kroger Experience: Proven track record working with Kroger, understanding their systems, processes, and culture.  Deli Experience and relationship with current Kroger team.  Divisional relationships in Deli and Produce.
• 5+ years of Fresh Category Expertise: Demonstrate proven success in growing sales and closing deals within the fresh cut/produce industry. Extensive experience in managing fresh, perishable categories with a minimum $50M in annual revenue. In depth knowledge of market conditions and seasonality within the fresh cut industry. 
• Strong project management skills in a fast paced environment. Demonstrated successful ability to organize and prioritize work to ensure timely deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and demonstrated successful ability to build positive partnerships, while working collaboratively with cross-functional business teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or business management.
• Solid business development and budget analysis capabilities with a demonstrated ability to apply these principles and methods through strategy and tactics.
• Energetic and proactive individual who takes calculated risks and perseveres to attain goals.
• Able to travel 30%-40% within the assigned region.
• Proficient computer skills required including Microsoft Office Suite.

Food Safety & Food Security Responsibility

Every employee of F&S Fresh Foods is responsible for ensuring that threats to the safety and security of our final product are minimized. Responsibilities for this position include compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices [GMPs] and understanding basic concepts of foodborne illness.

F&S CULTURE: As we continue to grow and provide leading edge products to our customers, we understand hiring the right people and treating them well is critical to our success. Everything we do starts with our values. These are the beliefs that we share and that strengthen our team. Our values shape our thoughts and actions every day. At F&S its Always FRESH and Always FUN!

Find the most positive path.

Respond swiftly, accurately, and nimbly.

Earn trust by sharing, helping, and keeping promises.

Serve up safety.

Have each other's backs.

F&S OFFERS: We are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits program focused on your total well-being.

• Competitive compensation package
• A robust health and welfare benefits package that includes Life, Health, Dental, Vision
• The opportunity to plan for the future with a strong 401(K) including company match!
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance to help you achieve your goals and continue your career growth.

F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods!