Foodservice Account Executive - Upper Midwest

Account Executive

We're seeking a high-performing Account Executive (AE) to accelerate sales growth through strategic planning and impactful execution with key Foodservice Ingredient distributor and operator accounts. This role will be based in the upper Midwest. This AE covers a territory spanning Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This role, you'll lead both broadline & independent distributor and operator relationships across the pizzeria and bakery industry. You'll identify new growth opportunities and lead efforts to strengthen customer loyalty in a fast-paced, competitive marketplace. This AE position offers a unique opportunity to lead and grow our distribution partners throughout the Upper Midwest. 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.

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
• Operator Management or Distributor Management experience
• Ingredient or Commodity sales experience
• 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
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Flour selling experience
• Trade Management Experience

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 other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $81000.00 - $121700.00 / Annually. 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.

General Mills is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to any General Mills employment opportunities.