Sales & Commercial Operations Manager - Categories

*** This role can be HQ based in Hopkins MN or remote ***

CJ Schwan’s is a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ Cheil Jedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas;
bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

We’re looking for a sharp, collaborative Sales & Commercial Operations Manager to drive operational excellence and support growth across our Consumer Brands Shelf Stable Asian portfolio. In this high‑impact role, you’ll streamline processes, solve complex business challenges, and strengthen alignment across Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Customer Service, and our broker and distributor partners.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, loves improving how work gets done, and brings both analytical discipline and cross‑functional leadership. Sound like you – then apply!

• Lead operational improvement initiatives that reduce complexity and enhance execution.
• Serve as the Growth Categories representative in Integrated Business Planning (IBP), ensuring accuracy, alignment, and actionable insights.
• Partner with the Director of Sales to evaluate new business opportunities, including emerging and non‑traditional channels.
• Partner with Customer Marketing on the Shelf Stable Asian portfolio, including customer strategy and execution.
• Support customer programs, promotions, and innovation launches that drive incremental growth.
• Use syndicated data and customer insights using Circana and select vendor portals to identify opportunities, optimize pricing and promotions, and strengthen assortment strategies.
• Strengthen deduction management by partnering with brokers, Customer Service, and internal teams.
• Build strong relationships with brokers, distributors, retailers, and internal functions to drive consistent execution.
• Provide data‑driven insights to identify opportunities and optimize sales and operational performance.
• Support strategic planning to expand distribution, improve profitability, and accelerate category growth.
• Collaborate with grocery sales teams to share best practices and improve processes.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) and 7+ years in sales operations, project management/process improvement, customer marketing, or sales strategy ideally in the CPG industry.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project leadership skills and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to influence across teams and manage complexity with urgency and precision.
• MS Office Suite with advanced Excel and Power Point

The base salary range for this position is $97,500 - $162,500 annually with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well‑being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, time off programs, retirement and financial programs.

Education:

Bachelor's degree required

Years of Related

Experience:

Minimum of 3+ years of experience in operations, process management, or a related business function within CPG or consumer goods. Experience in customer marketing or sales strategy preferred. Experience collaborating across U.S. and international teams is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach. Proven ability to lead cross‑functional projects and manage complexity in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent…