The posting
COMPANY OVERVIEW
We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.
OVERVIEW
Do you lay awake at night thinking about flour? When you are at a bakery or pizzeria, do you instinctively ask yourself, what kind of flour they are using? Are you curious to join a team of passionate flour and bakery mix professionals who believe in the unique solutions we create with operators? If so, General Mills North America Food Service Ingredients Team is seeking a high-performing Account Executive (AE). This person will accelerate sales growth through strategic planning and impactful execution with key Foodservice Ingredient distributors and operator accounts. This role will be based in Southern California and this AE covers a territory spanning from Fresno, CA to San Diego, CA. In this role, you'll lead both broadline & independent distributor and operator relationships across the pizzeria and bakery industries. You’ll identify new growth opportunities and lead efforts to strengthen customer loyalty in a fast-paced, competitive marketplace. Most importantly, you’ll join an unbelievable team of professionals who want to win.
This AE position offers a unique opportunity to lead and grow our distribution partners throughout the territory. You will be responsible for growth through the introduction and execution of strategic sales plans and trade management. Strong candidates for this role will bring a high bias for action, with a proven track record in strategic sales planning, closing deals quickly, negotiating effectively, and building long-term relationships in an ever-changing business environment.
You’ll be an entrepreneur with the ability to interact with business owners and high-level executives selling market leading brands that are essential to the baking, pizza and commercial restaurant industry. If you
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Sales Strategy & Innovation
· Develop a deep understanding of customers, identifying and pursuing growth opportunities.
· Lead sales planning and execution for assigned distributors and operators.
· Use Salesforce daily to manage pipeline, track customer interactions, and drive sales execution.
· Influence distributor sales teams to prioritize and sell General Mills products.
· Design and implement tailored trade & marketing programs for accounts in your territory.
Business Planning & Executional Excellence
· Create strategic plans to build a balanced, sustainable, and growing business with focus distributors and operators.
· Serve as a trusted resource on flour pricing and wheat market trends.
· Manage territory budgets effectively, including T&E and account-level investments, to maximize ROI.
· Negotiate and manage distributor marketing agreements with a pay-for-performance and mutual benefit mindset.
· Develop and deliver strategies that motivate Distributor Sales Representatives (DSRs) to promote General Mills products.
· Provide training to DSRs on flour sales techniques and product knowledge.
Influential Leadership
- Collaborate cross-functionally within North America Foodservice (NAF) and the broader FSI team to drive business growth.
- Build credibility and strong working relationships with external partners to align on shared goals.
- Confidently engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
Other Responsibilities
- Coordinate food shows, sales meetings, and customer product trainings
- Diligent accountability for reporting material volume changes that will impact production, warehouse inventory levels, financials and volume outlook
- Provide accurate and timely Demand and CTM forecasts
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 Years of Foodservice Selling Experience
- High School Diploma
- Influential Leadership
- Win as a team (team player)
- Self-motivated with ability to maintain workload from remote office
- Demonstrated track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets
- Strong understanding of the sales call process and ability to close deals efficiently
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Flour selling experience
- Operator Management Experience
- Distributor Management Experience
- Trade Management Experience
Additional Considerations
- International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
- Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this position is:
$82,400 - $123,800 Annual
At General Mills we strive for each employee's pay at any point in their career to reflect their experiences performance and skills for their current role. The salary range for this role represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, educations, skills, work experience, certifications, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support and perks. Benefits may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if any, depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)
General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request.
