Sales Director, Costco / Target (Emerging Channels)

We are hiring Rockstars to join our Sauer Brands team! Overall Goal of Position: We are looking for a solutions-oriented, growth-driven sales leader to step into the newly created role of Costco / Target (+ Value & Natural). Job Summary: This individual will have direct selling responsibility for two of our most critical accounts—Costco and Target—while also overseeing strategy and execution across Value, Natural, and Ecommerce channels through three direct reports. As a key member of the Sales Leadership Team, this person will play a pivotal role in unlocking growth opportunities, overcoming customer complexity, and building scalable strategies for sustained expansion across our portfolio of shelf-stable brands. The individual will report to the Chief Sales Officer and will be in the Sales/Commercial department. Key Duties and Responsibilities: • Key Account Leadership (Costco & Target) • Serve as the primary point of contact for Costco and Target corporate buyers, leading JBP development, innovation sell-in, and performance management • Build and execute tailored strategies for each customer to expand assortment, drive velocity, and increase physical and digital availability • Navigate and solve for complex retailer solutions, processes, and operational requirements, especially within Costco’s unique business model and Target’s omni-channel framework • Team & Channel Management • Lead two direct reports: • Retail Sales Manager – Value Channel • Retail Sales Manager – Natural Channel • Develop holistic strategies that align with brand goals while respecting the unique dynamics of each channel • Set clear priorities and hold team accountable to KPIs, retail execution standards, and growth targets • Customer Solutions & Problem Solving • Act as a strategic problem solver, addressing customer-specific barriers with agility and creativity • Collaborate with Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Marketing, and Finance to overcome challenges and ensure strong execution • Champion a “how might we” mindset across internal and external stakeholders to unlock value and solve friction points • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership • Serve as a key member of the Sales Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, team development, and enterprise decision-making • Work closely with Customer Marketing, Category Management, and Revenue Growth Management to ensure aligned planning and flawless execution • Support innovation launches, go-to-market plans, and promotional strategies tailored to each channel • Work with Brand teams to co-develop unique customer solutions with brand team to break through retail barriers at non-traditional retailers • Growth Strategy & Execution • Own topline and net sales performance across assigned customers and channels • Analyze performance data and retail trends to identify opportunities and inform and development of future plans • Drive physical and digital shelf presence, ensuring optimized assortment and placement • Creativity to develop retailer solutions (Club, Natural, Value) What We Are Looking For: • Personal Characteristics • Entrepreneurial drive and the desire to “build a business” • Outgoing, energetic, and results oriented personality • Overall confidence in one’s abilities and comfortable communicating the facts • Smart, creative and inquisitive • Integrity-Does the right thing even when no one is looking • Disciplined approach, and accountable for KPIs • No excuses mindset and Dependable team player with positive attitude • Personal values that mesh with SBI values • Highly motivated, results-driven, and passionate about food and growth • Performance History • Documented history of making improvements in assigned work area/responsibilities • Stellar references based on contributions and performance • Demonstrated proficiency in the following areas: • Proven ability to work through complexity and deliver creative, customer-first solutions • Experience leading channel strategy and managing cross-functional teams or remote sales talent • Strong understanding of the club and mass channel business models, plus familiarity with value, and natural • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and analytical skills • Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field • 10+ years of progressive CPG sales experience, including direct responsibility for Costco and/or Target • Other: • Location: Remote with proximity to Costco HQ • Travel required (estimated 25–40%), including regular customer and market visits Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job