Sales Director - Food Service

The Role:  

We are seeking an experienced and driven Sales Director – Food Service to lead our sales efforts within the food service industry. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategies to drive revenue growth, expand market share, and build strong relationships with foodservice operators, distributors, and other key stakeholders. This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in sales leadership, a deep understanding of the food service market, and a passion for delivering value to customers.

Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy: Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets and penetrate target markets within the food service industry.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify customer needs, competitive trends, and growth opportunities, informing product development and sales strategies.
• Customer Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with food service operators, distributors, and other key accounts, serving as a trusted advisor and resource for their business needs.
• New Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including prospecting, lead generation, and networking within the food service community.
• Product Promotion: Collaborate with marketing and product development teams to create promotional strategies, sales materials, and product presentations to support sales efforts and drive brand awareness.
• Sales Forecasting and Reporting: Track sales performance, analyze sales data, and prepare regular reports on key metrics, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with customers to maximize revenue and profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Training and Development: Provide training, guidance, and support to sales team members to enhance their selling skills, product knowledge, and customer service abilities.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies governing sales activities, including food safety and quality standards.
• Industry Engagement: Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences to network with key stakeholders, showcase products, and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree emphasizing Sales or Marketing, or equivalent business experience is required
• 5+ years’ food service sales experience
• Must have experience with branded partnerships in food service
• Experience working within the dessert and/or snack food service segment, a plus
• Experience in selecting and managing food service brokers and distributors is required
• Strong experience in the development of annual business plans, sales forecasts and reports, and budget management
• Proficiency in sales management software, CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving abilities, verbal/written communication, work organization, influence management, and contract negotiation skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel 50%+, ground and air

Compensation:  
The base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 annually, which is just one aspect of our total compensation package. In addition to the salary, this position is eligible for a potential annual bonus and equity! Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.