Sr. Sales Manager

Location:

5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106

Department: AIM Sales

Make us your BEST Choice!

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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%).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…