National Sales Manager- Gift & Specialty
Stonewall Kitchen, York, ME, United States
Description
The National Sales Manager – Gift & Specialty is responsible for leading and executing the sales strategy across all gift and specialty retail channels nationwide. This position drives growth by managing key customer relationships, overseeing a national broker and rep network, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver profitable programs, compelling assortments, and exceptional customer service.
This role combines strategic business planning with hands‑on engagement — from developing account‑specific programs and trade show strategies to partnering with buyers on exclusive collections and private label opportunities.
Job Summary
Lead and manage a national network of brokers and sales representatives across the gift and specialty channels. This will include distributors and key specialty grocery accounts.
Build, maintain and manage strong relationships with key retail buyers, distributors, and independent stores to drive sales growth. Hold agencies accountable with data.
Develop account-specific sales plans and revenue roadmaps translate annual budget into quarterly pacing, promotional calendars, and product assortments in alignment with overall company objectives.
Partner with buyers to develop customized programs, including exclusive products, packaging, and trade spend.
Identify whitespace and new business opportunities within existing and prospective accounts.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Brand Marketing, Product Development, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of new product launches and seasonal programs.
Manage budgets for travel, trade shows, and account marketing initiatives.
Prepare compelling PowerPoint presentations for category reviews, line presentations, and buyer meetings and training opportunities.
Represent the company at major national and regional trade shows, supporting both sales and brand visibility.
Monitor sales performance by account, region, and category; provide regular reporting and forecasting. Understand how to manage ROI, protect brand pricing architecture, margin protection and channel conflict.
Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and sell‑through to identify opportunities and risks. Read velocity data, propose resets that grow margin not just fill space.
Work with Finance and Customer Service teams to manage deductions, claims, and trade spending.
Provide leadership, training, and support to brokers and account representatives, ensuring consistency in brand representation and service.
Uphold company policies, standards of conduct, and safety requirements.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 5–8 years of progressive sales experience in the gift, specialty, or consumer goods industry.
Proven success managing national accounts, broker networks, or sales territories in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience working directly with retail buyers to build customized programs and private label collections.
Strong analytical, negotiation, presentation skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with CRM tools and SPINS data is preferred.
Creative mindset with an understanding of seasonal trends, product development, and merchandising.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a remote sales network.
Ability to travel nationally (approximately 40–60% of the time).
May be required to work more than 40 hours per week as business needs require.
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This role combines strategic business planning with hands‑on engagement — from developing account‑specific programs and trade show strategies to partnering with buyers on exclusive collections and private label opportunities.
Job Summary
Lead and manage a national network of brokers and sales representatives across the gift and specialty channels. This will include distributors and key specialty grocery accounts.
Build, maintain and manage strong relationships with key retail buyers, distributors, and independent stores to drive sales growth. Hold agencies accountable with data.
Develop account-specific sales plans and revenue roadmaps translate annual budget into quarterly pacing, promotional calendars, and product assortments in alignment with overall company objectives.
Partner with buyers to develop customized programs, including exclusive products, packaging, and trade spend.
Identify whitespace and new business opportunities within existing and prospective accounts.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Brand Marketing, Product Development, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of new product launches and seasonal programs.
Manage budgets for travel, trade shows, and account marketing initiatives.
Prepare compelling PowerPoint presentations for category reviews, line presentations, and buyer meetings and training opportunities.
Represent the company at major national and regional trade shows, supporting both sales and brand visibility.
Monitor sales performance by account, region, and category; provide regular reporting and forecasting. Understand how to manage ROI, protect brand pricing architecture, margin protection and channel conflict.
Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and sell‑through to identify opportunities and risks. Read velocity data, propose resets that grow margin not just fill space.
Work with Finance and Customer Service teams to manage deductions, claims, and trade spending.
Provide leadership, training, and support to brokers and account representatives, ensuring consistency in brand representation and service.
Uphold company policies, standards of conduct, and safety requirements.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 5–8 years of progressive sales experience in the gift, specialty, or consumer goods industry.
Proven success managing national accounts, broker networks, or sales territories in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience working directly with retail buyers to build customized programs and private label collections.
Strong analytical, negotiation, presentation skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with CRM tools and SPINS data is preferred.
Creative mindset with an understanding of seasonal trends, product development, and merchandising.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a remote sales network.
Ability to travel nationally (approximately 40–60% of the time).
May be required to work more than 40 hours per week as business needs require.
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