Manager, Customer Dev - East

Hungry for a career that's as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don't just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that's on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Why You'll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture- Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance- Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security- Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development- Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support- HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards- Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Manager, Customer Development, to join our team. As a Manager, Customer Development, you will lead and grow Aspire Bakeries' K12 business on the east coast by managing key accounts, guiding our national broker network, and identifying new growth opportunities across the U.S. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive strategic planning, product development, and commercial execution. This role requires significant customer engagement and partnership to strengthen Aspires presence within the K12 channel.

Core Accountabilities (What You'll Be Doing)

• Implement account strategy and performance for targeted K12 customers, achieving sales, profit, and growth targets
• Manage existing business through pricing, contracts, bids, and supply chain performance
• Prospect and develop new customer opportunities while implementing product development and commercialization strategy
• Collaborate with crossfunctional teams to execute menu planning, promotions, and innovation initiatives
• Develop and manage budgets related to sales, margins, programs, and allowances
• Direct forecasting for assigned products, including new item rollouts
• Represent Aspire Bakeries at tradeshows and customer conferences to strengthen customer relationships and brand visibility

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, culinary, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 6-10 years of K12 account management or sales experience with a proven track record of growth
• Strong experience managing customer relationships and developing new business within the K12 channel
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Must reside near a major U.S. airport
• Ability to travel 50%-75%

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• Proven success of generating new business while managing an existing customer portfolio
• Experience increasing product placement through targeted commercial initiatives
• Broker network management experience
• Bakery, food manufacturing, or culinary background
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving environment

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.