Sr. Sales Manager
Associated Wholesale Grocers · Kansas City
Sr. Sales Manager
Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106
Department: AIM Sales
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About the Advertising & Innovative Marketing (AIM) Ad Group
The AIM Ad Group serves ~1300 of AWG’s member stores as the strategic conduit between AWG teams and vendor partners, driving collaborative planning and execution of growth‑focused promotions and omnichannel marketing programs. Grounded in strong Category Management strategies, AIM develops and delivers impactful marketing initiatives designed to enhance sales, strengthen vendor partnerships, and elevate the shopper experience across AWG’s diverse retail network. Our mission is to provide our member‑retailers the most competitive cost of goods, tools, and support to thrive in the communities in which they serve.
Job Summary
The AIM Sr. Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth for AWG and our
Advertising & Innovative Marketing (AIM) member‑retailers. This role leverages AWG’s scale to negotiate product costs, promotions, and merchandising programs with vendor partners, while working closely with AWG’s division teams to activate and support In‑House Ad Group stores.
In addition to sales and vendor negotiation responsibilities, the AIM Sr. Sales Manager will lead and manage a team of professionals who support the various processes, programs, and day‑to‑day operations of the AIM organization. This leader ensures team alignment with AIM strategies, optimizes workflow execution, and fosters strong collaboration across AWG divisions, vendor partners, and internal stakeholders.
The position requires travel to industry conferences, AWG food shows, division visits, and vendor partner meetings. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator capable of presenting to groups of varying sizes and confidently representing AWG in top‑to‑top vendor meetings. Professional presence, strategic thinking, and the ability to build strong relationships are essential to advancing AIM’s goals and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Vendor Strategy
- Negotiate product costs, promotional agreements, and merchandising programs with vendor partners to maximize value for AWG and AIM members.
- Develop and execute sales strategies that support category growth and align with AIM’s business objectives.
- Foster strong vendor relationships that support long term collaborative planning.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a team responsible for AIM processes, including promotions, analytics, planning, and execution tasks.
- Establish clear goals, performance measures, and workflow expectations for the team.
- Encourage collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all AIM functional areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with AWG divisions to support activation of InHouse Ad Group stores.
- Partner with internal departments—including Category Management, Marketing, Procurement, and Merchandising—to ensure seamless program execution.
- Provide insights into market trends, member needs, and vendor performance.
Industry & Event Representation
- Represent AWG and AIM at industry conferences, AWG food shows, and division meetings.
- Deliver professional presentations to internal groups, member retailers, and external vendor partners.
- Lead top to top discussions with national and regional vendors to advance AIM’s goals and expand strategic opportunities.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or related field—or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in sales, account management, vendor relations, category management, or similar functions in CPG, retail, or wholesale.
- Ability to assemble, review, and finalize base grocery advertisements, ensuring all elements are accurate, cohesive, and retailer-ready prior to downstream distribution.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating with CPG manufacturers or retail/wholesale partners.
- 3+ years of experience managing or leading a team.
- Strong presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
- Ability to travel regularly (estimated 20–35%).
Preferred
- Experience in wholesale grocery, retail grocery, or cooperative business environments.
- Knowledge of omnichannel marketing programs and merchandising strategies.
- Familiarity with syndicated data, category management tools, and promotional planning systems.
Physical Requirements
- Perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to waist level.
- Must be able to move throughout various buildings, conduct meetings at retail sites, load and unload materials and equipment.
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
- Must be able to sit in a car for extended periods of time and able to drive both day and at night.
Working Environment
- Standard office environment.
- Must be able to work nontraditional hours as needed (before and after normal office hours and weekends).
- This position is primarily on‑site, with the opportunity to work from home on an occasional or hybrid basis in alignment with team schedules and business requirements.
Core Job Competencies
- Leadership & People Development – Builds high performing teams and inspires excellence.
- Strategic Negotiation – Maximizes value and fosters collaborative partnerships.
- Communication & Presentation – Clear, confident, and compelling public speaker.
- Vendor Relationship Management – Strengthens partnerships to drive mutual growth.
- Analytical Thinking – Leverages data and insights to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
- Professional Presence – Represents AWG and AIM with credibility and poise.
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Navigates challenges with creativity and resilience.
AWG Culture Statement
At AWG, we are committed to supporting independently owned grocers who strengthen the communities they serve. We embrace teamwork, integrity, accountability, and innovation. As part of the AIM team, you will join a collaborative and mission driven environment where your work directly contributes to the success of our member retailers and the vendors who support them. We value people who are passionate about partnership, energized by growth, and motivated by empowering others.
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.
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
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