Strategic Customer Development Manager – Gulf Coast Market (Remote) – Food & Grocery Sales Leadership

About brighthush

Welcome to brighthush, a dynamic leader in the food brokerage arena, connecting premium producers of produce, meat, seafood, deli, and bakery goods with thriving grocery retailers across the Gulf Coast and beyond. Our mission is to empower brands and retailers alike by delivering tailored sales strategies, insightful market intelligence, and unparalleled service excellence. At brighthush, we recognize that our people are our most strategic asset, and we foster a culture where creativity, passion, and performance thrive side‑by‑side.

Why This Role Matters

As a Customer Development Manager at brighthush, you will be the linchpin between our valued client brands and the grocery stores that bring those products to consumers’ tables. You’ll craft and execute customized sales plans, manage budgets, and drive measurable growth for a portfolio of accounts in the Gulf Coast market—while enjoying the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement based out of New Orleans, LA.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Management: Build deep, trust‑based relationships with key decision‑makers at grocery retailers, understanding their merchandising needs, sales targets, and operational challenges.
• Customized Sales Planning: Design and implement customer‑specific sales plans, including budget allocation, promotional calendars, and assortment strategies that align with both client objectives and retailer expectations.
• Market Intelligence & Feedback Loop: Gather real‑time insights on market trends, competitor activity, and shopper behavior; relay this information to Business Development Managers to refine regional sales strategies.
• Performance Monitoring: Track volume, share, and revenue metrics against targets; provide regular performance reports and actionable recommendations to drive continuous improvement.
• New Product Introductions: Partner with the Retail Sales Team to launch new items, ensuring compliance with client procedures, creating compelling sales tools (presentations, bulletins, contests), and measuring launch success.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Leverage Nielsen and IRI data to develop plan‑ograms, optimize product assortment, and present strategic insights that boost sales growth.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Retail Operations Managers, Business Development Managers, and internal support teams to ensure seamless execution of initiatives and a unified customer experience.
• Service Excellence: Uphold a high standard of service to retailers, client representatives, and internal colleagues, embodying brighthush’s commitment to a culture of service excellence.
• Travel & Representation: Attend trade shows, conventions, client meetings, and industry events as a brand ambassador for brighthush, representing both the company and our client partners.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process enhancements, automation, and technology adoption that increase efficiency and drive better outcomes for customers.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Industry Experience: Minimum 10 years of sales experience in the consumer goods sector, with a strong preference for candidates who have a proven track record in grocery retail sales.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; comfort with sales analytics platforms and data visualization tools.
• Analytical Acumen: Ability to interpret Nielsen, IRI, and other market data sets to craft actionable sales strategies.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities; fluency in English is required.
• Mobility: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance; willingness to travel regularly for trade shows, client meetings, and occasional on‑site visits.
• Technology Comfort: Proficiency with remote collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, Slack) and the ability to work comfortably with multiple monitors and keyboards for extended periods.
• Travel Readiness: Ability to fly on commercial airlines as needed for regional events and client engagements.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with plan‑ogram development and category management.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce or HubSpot.
• Demonstrated success in achieving volume, share, and revenue targets in a competitive market.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with a consultative sales approach.
• Passion for the food industry and a deep understanding of consumer trends.
• Multilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish) are a plus given the diverse Gulf Coast market.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while executing detailed plans.
• Relationship Building: Proven talent for cultivating long‑term partnerships based on trust and mutual benefit.
• Data Literacy: Comfort turning raw data into compelling narratives that drive decision‑making.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑changing environment, adjusting tactics quickly to market shifts.
• Self‑Motivation: Operate effectively in a remote setting, managing time and priorities autonomously.
• Team Collaboration: Work seamlessly across functions, sharing insights and supporting colleagues.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, your professional development is a priority. As a Customer Development Manager, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior Business Development leaders and industry veterans.
• Ongoing training programs covering advanced analytics, category management, and emerging retail technologies.
• Opportunities to lead cross‑functional projects that influence company‑wide strategy.
• A clear career ladder that can lead to Regional Sales Director, National Account Manager, or Product Category Leadership roles.
• Participation in industry conferences and certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Sales Leader).

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While the exact salary range is undisclosed, brighthush offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract top talent:

• Base salary commensurate with experience plus performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings options with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Remote‑work stipend covering home office setup, internet, and coworking space access.
• Professional development budget for courses, certifications, and conferences.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Recognition programs that celebrate individual and team achievements.

Our Culture & Values

brighthush prides itself on a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that a workforce reflecting a wide range of perspectives fuels creativity and drives better business outcomes. Our core values include:

• People First: Employees are our most strategic asset; we invest in their growth and well‑being.
• Performance‑Driven: Results matter, but we achieve them with integrity, collaboration, and respect.
• Innovation: We continuously explore new technologies and approaches to stay ahead in the food brokerage space.
• Community: Commitment to giving back through local food drives, sustainability initiatives, and volunteer programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

If you are a results‑oriented sales professional with a passion for the food and grocery industry, we invite you to join the brighthush family. Bring your expertise, creativity, and drive to a role where you can make a tangible impact on the Gulf Coast market while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

Ready to shape the future of food brokerage? today and start your journey with brighthush!