Sales Operations Manager

Kinder’s is seeking an experienced Sales Operations Manager who is passionate about being part of a team of hard-working people focused on bringing the future of flavor to consumers everywhere.

We are a fast-growing company working hard to bring amazing flavor solutions that are as exciting and delicious as they are simple to use to our consumers whether they are experienced cooks or first-timers in the kitchen. We are obsessed with quality and are 100% committed to being the most innovative company in any market we serve. Our mission is to bring awesome flavor to consumers whenever and wherever they are looking for it. We have experienced tremendous growth over the last 5 years, but we think we are just getting started. We love our consumers and are fired up to be part of their flavor journey. And we need more great folks to help us continue to raise the bar for what they think is even possible in their own kitchens.

Today, we have over 100 products sold nationwide at retailers including Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Safeway and many more. While we have been around for over 75 years, we have experienced explosive growth in the last 5 years and are now a top 5 brand in the U.S. in multiple flavor categories including seasoning blends, BBQ sauce, and wing sauce. To keep our momentum rolling, we need more passionate flavor advocates and builders to come and join our team and help us reach every kitchen across the U.S. and maybe even the world.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sales Operations Manager is responsible for supporting and optimizing Kinder’s sales operations infrastructure. This individual will manage sales administration, project management, and integration with key cross-functional organizational processes. Reporting to the VP of Sales Operations, this role is critical to supporting Kinder’s rapid growth and ensuring seamless execution of sales initiatives across channels and customers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Account Setup and Support

• Completes new customer onboarding through accurate data gathering and efficient setup in internal systems.
• Provides relevant sales leaders to with information on new items and ensures that information is populated in appropriate customer systems.
• Resolves customer issues promptly by integrating input from sales leaders and support teams, minimizing disruption and maintaining high satisfaction.
• Preserves data integrity in account management systems to support consistent reporting, compliance, and exceptional customer experiences.

Sales Administration

• Coordinates the fulfillment of product sample requests to guarantee timely delivery for customer pitches, internal teams, and promotional events.
• Plans and executes innovation summits by aligning cross-functional teams with necessary resources.
• Manages logistical requirements for sales events and trade shows, securing needed supplies and ensuring on-time coordination among all relevant parties.
• Coordinates production of brand-aligned sales presentations and materials, ensuring they consistently meet high-quality standards for internal and external use.

Trade Promotion Management

• Delivers timely, accurate data entry and updates in trade systems, ensuring strict adherence to compliance and quality standards.
• Maintains strong relationships with brokers to uphold quality control and confirm alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Plans and executes trade and marketing events as per agreements, providing necessary support to execute on events.
• Support the evaluation of trade marketing initiatives to refine strategies, improve outcomes maximize return on investment in collaboration with finance and Sales Strategy & Planning.

Sales Project Management

• Develops feature and display initiatives with sales leaders, utilizing cross-functional resources to drive impactful in-store and promotional outcomes.
• Executes trade shows, retailer events, and other sales activation efforts within defined timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks.
• Leads high-complexity projects by setting clear objectives, aligning with organizational strategies, and coordinating across multiple departments.
• Fosters transparent communication among sales, marketing, supply chain, and other stakeholders to keep deliverables on track and maintain strong project momentum.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

Position-Specific Skills Required:

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in excel and retailer systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and scale operations in high-growth environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset that thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 5 years in Sales Operations, preferably in CPG.
• Track record in agile, creative thinking and ability to work with internal cross-functional partners and external customers to translate into business results.
• Proven strategic thinker excited by a dynamic and high-growth organization.
• Experience developing detailed-oriented processes and managing teams against them.

Personal Characteristics

• Business builder who owns and drives results.
• Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
• Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and speaks their mind.
• Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower.
• Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.

THINGS ABOUT THE WAY WE WORK

• No two days here are the same.
• We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don’t live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here.
• We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
• We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.
• We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
• We aren’t trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.

LOCATION AND TRAVEL

The position will be based out of our 20,000 sq. foot office in Walnut Creek, CA. We strongly believe in the power of culture and community and have a hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office on a weekly basis to encourage collaboration and personal connections that will allow us to better serve our customers and consumer and to have more fun. We have 1 flex day per week with employees having the opportunity to choose to be either in the office or to work from home based on what makes most sense for them.

Some travel will be required for this role on a periodic basis. Typical travel includes industry conferences, trade shows and key customer visits.