Open to opportunities

Jeffrey Smith

@jeffreysmith

Message

I lead retail and national accounts, driving double-digit growth and private label revenue.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a challenging Retail & National Accounts leadership role where I can secure national retail partnerships, scale private label programs, and drive market-share gains through strategic sales planning, category analytics, and coaching high-performing teams.

I’m a Retail & National Accounts leader with extensive experience driving account management, sales strategy, and private label program development for leading consumer brands. I’m known for securing national retail partnerships and translating channel insights into measurable market share gains.

As Director of Retail at Guittard Chocolate Company (Jan 2014–Feb 2025), I led national retail and grocery sales strategy, managed broker markets, and owned an accrual budget with a clear focus on sustainable growth. I spearheaded retail expansion with major chains including Publix, Kroger, Target, and Walmart, while delivering consistent double-digit growth and strengthening brand positioning in Nielsen rankings.

My private label and growth results are built on disciplined go-to-market execution. I successfully launched private label programs generating $85M in revenue, and I led regional teams delivering up to 18% growth and $29M in new sales—building profit and performance by aligning partners, promotions, and distribution.

I also bring deep leadership and operational rigor from prior roles spanning regional management and brand/category development. From building and coaching sales teams to conducting category reviews and improving trade execution, I collaborate cross-functionally to exceed targets, strengthen customer engagement, and turn strategy into outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director of Retail

Guittard Chocolate Company

Jan 2014 - Feb 2025 (11 years 1 month)

Led national retail and grocery sales strategy for Publix, Kroger, Target, and Walmart, driving consistent double-digit growth and category leadership (Nielsen). Managed 3 direct reports and 72 broker markets, transforming from industrial to retail model to surpass revenue benchmarks by 21% and exceeding sales targets by up to 40% for 10 consecutive years.

National Account Management Sales Strategy Broker Management Category Marketing Go To Market Planning Team Leadership Performance Coaching

Mid Central Regional Manager

Ken's Foods, Inc.

Jan 2008 - Dec 2013 (5 years 11 months)

Directed regional broker network and sales operations across 20 states, delivering 18% total growth and expanding Sweet Baby Ray’s market share from 1% to 11%. Secured $5M in new account revenue with partners including Kmart, Walgreens, and Save-A-Lot and increased sales from $9M to $29M in one year while improving account share from 45% to 60%.

Regional Account Management Sales Forecasting Contract Negotiation Territory Development Revenue Growth

Division & Regional Manager

Dannon Company Inc.

Jan 2001 - Dec 2008 (7 years 11 months)

Managed broker and retail sales operations across US divisions, building a 500-member brokerage team and key partnerships with AWG, HyVee, Albertsons, and Kroger. Delivered record 50.4% U.S. market share, lifted Dannon Yogurt share from 21% to 34%, and quadrupled yogurt consumption over three years.

Market Share Growth Category Management Market Expansion Sales Operations Performance Management

Brand Development Category Manager

Associated Wholesale Grocers

Owned private label brand development and vendor partnerships, generating $85M in new revenue, $50M in co-op profit, and $200M in vendor contracts. Managed category growth and profitability through customer/category strategy and commercial negotiations.

Private Label Management Category Management Vendor Management Co Op Advertising Management Market Expansion

Retail Sales Manager & Category

Acosta

Managed retail sales and category growth across major grocery accounts, leading a 14-member sales team and achieving $17M in revenue with 10% annual sales volume growth. Directed account performance against sales and merchandising objectives to expand product distribution.

Category Management Sales Team Leadership Account Growth Performance Tracking Revenue Management