What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales & Commercial Operations Manager - Growth Categories position at Schwan's Company?
*** This role can be HQ based in Hopkins MN or remote ***
CJ Schwan’s is a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!
We’re looking for a sharp, collaborative Sales & Commercial Operations Manager to drive operational excellence and support growth across our Consumer Brands Shelf Stable Asian portfolio. In this high-impact role, you’ll streamline processes, solve complex business challenges, and strengthen alignment across Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Customer Service, and our broker and distributor partners.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves improving how work gets done, and brings both analytical discipline and cross-functional leadership. Sound like you – then apply!
Responsibilities:
• Lead operational improvement initiatives that reduce complexity and enhance execution.
• Serve as the Growth Categories representative in Integrated Business Planning (IBP), ensuring accuracy, alignment, and actionable insights.
• Partner with the Director of Sales to evaluate new business opportunities, including emerging and non-traditional channels.
• Partner with Customer Marketing on the Shelf Stable Asian portfolio, including customer strategy and execution.
• Support customer programs, promotions, and innovation launches that drive incremental growth.
• Use syndicated data and customer insights using Circana and select vendor portals to identify opportunities, optimize pricing and promotions, and strengthen assortment strategies.
• Strengthen deduction management by partnering with brokers, Customer Service, and internal teams.
• Build strong relationships with brokers, distributors, retailers, and internal functions to drive consistent execution.
• Provide data-driven insights to identify opportunities and optimize sales and operational performance.
• Support strategic planning to expand distribution, improve profitability, and accelerate category growth.
• Collaborate with grocery sales teams to share best practices and improve processes.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) and 7 years in sales operations, project management/process improvement, customer marketing, or sales strategy ideally in the CPG industry.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skills and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to influence across teams and manage complexity with urgency and precision.
• MS Office Suite with advanced Excel and PowerPoint
Compensation and Benefits:
The base salary range for this position is $97,500 - $162,500 annually with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, time off programs, retirement and financial programs.
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 also 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 career.search@schwans.com
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Years of Related Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, process management, or a related business function within CPG or consumer goods. Experience in customer marketing or sales strategy preferred. Experience collaborating across U.S. and international teams is a plus.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach. Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage complexity in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills across all levels of the organization. Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Strategic thinker with the ability to connect operational improvements to business outcomes. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive internal and external business partnerships. Results-oriented mindset with a continuous improvement and accountability focus.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
Salary : $97,500 - $162,500