Channel Sales Manager – Convenience; C-store & Travel Retail

Channel Sales Manager – Convenience (C-store) & Travel Retail

Travel:
Approximately 20%

About Blues Hog

Blues Hog is one of the most recognized and award-winning brands in barbecue. Built on a reputation for championship-quality sauces, seasonings, marinades, and premium food products, our mission is to deliver bold flavor and exceptional quality to consumers across retail, food service, convenience, and specialty channels.

As Blues Hog continues to expand its presence within the convenience and travel retail market, we're seeking an entrepreneurial sales professional who is passionate about building relationships, creating new business opportunities, and driving profitable growth.

If you're energized by opening doors, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering results, we'd love to talk with you.

Position Summary

The Channel Sales Manager – Convenience & Travel Retail is responsible for driving profitable sales growth by expanding Blues Hog's presence across convenience stores, travel centers, wholesale distributors, and prepared food programs.

Working closely with convenience retailers, wholesale distributors, brokers, and internal teams, this individual will identify new business opportunities, grow existing accounts, and execute programs that increase distribution, sales, and brand visibility.

This is not a traditional account management role. We are looking for a motivated sales professional who is proactive, competitive, and driven to create new opportunities rather than simply maintain existing business.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Aggressively identify, prospect, and develop new business opportunities throughout the convenience and travel retail channel.
• Build strategic relationships with:
• National and regional convenience store chains
• Convenience retail buying groups
• Sales brokers and distributor partners
• Manage and grow relationships with existing customers while expanding distribution into new accounts.
• Develop sales presentations, business reviews, and annual account plans.
• Negotiate pricing, promotional programs, new item placements, and customer agreements.
• Represent Blues Hog at industry trade shows, distributor events, and customer meetings.
• Consistently grow market share, distribution, and product placement throughout assigned accounts and territories.

Customer Development & Category Growth

• Identify consumer trends, customer needs, and category growth opportunities within the convenience channel.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, and Product teams to provide customer insights that support future product offerings.
• Evaluate opportunities for new products, packaging enhancements, seasonal promotions, and convenience-exclusive programs.
• Support new product launches and customer implementation efforts.
• Recommend improvements to existing products based on customer feedback and marketplace demand.
• Collaborate with Marketing on merchandising programs, promotional initiatives, point-of-sale materials, and customer presentations.

Project Management & Customer Success

• Manage customer opportunities from initial contact through successful implementation.
• Understand customer requirements and communicate expectations internally.
• Coordinate product specifications, packaging requirements, pricing, promotional schedules, and launch timelines.
• Process customer orders through the company's Order Management System.
• Maintain inventory awareness while coordinating with Operations and Customer Service.
• Build strong partnerships with customers, distributors, suppliers, brokers, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage multiple customer projects simultaneously while ensuring timelines and commitments are achieved.
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments including Marketing, Operations, Customer Service, Production, and Quality.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with day-to-day business operations that support customer success.
• Support inventory planning and product availability.
• Identify opportunities to improve products, merchandising programs, processes, and systems.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
• Stay informed of…