Zone Sales Manager – Food Service; Plains

Zone Sales Manager – Food Service (Great Plains) — Schwan's Company

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria and families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, Bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima®, Chef One®, Twin Marquis® and Minh®.

Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We’re hiring a Zone Sales Manager to lead our Broadline Food service Sales team across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. In this key leadership role, you’ll drive sales growth, lead a high‑performing team, and build strategic partnerships with broadline food service distributors and operators to deliver our annual business goals. This leader ideally will have a home office in the Kansas City or Omaha/Lincoln metro areas.

• Lead sales strategy and execution for a 4‑state region to achieve volume, distribution, and growth targets.
• Coach, mentor, and develop a team of sellers to maximize performance and strengthen customer relationships.
• Partner closely with Sales Planning, Operations, and Inside Sales to align strategies and optimize results.
• Analyze market trends and business performance to identify new opportunities and improve ROI.
• Build and maintain relationships with key distributors, operators, and industry stakeholders.
• Manage trade spending and ensure effective investment across accounts and markets.
• Oversee bid activity and pricing strategies to support competitive positioning.
• Represent Schwan’s at trade shows, customer events, and industry gatherings.
• Travel varies seasonally, up to 50% per month across the assigned zone. Estimated average of 6‑8 overnights in outbound markets.

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of food service sales experience, including people leadership.
• Strong knowledge of broadline distribution, operator relationships, and the hospitality industry.
• Proven ability to drive results, develop talent, and manage sales planning tools (Salesforce experience a plus).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• A passion for food, collaboration, and building lasting partnerships.

Salary: $104,625 – $174,375 annually (base) with eligibility for a 30% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance and a car allowance.

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

Location: Kansas City, KS

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan’s Company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.

If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email