Title:                         Director of Sales, Food Service

Department:         Sales & Marketing

Location:               Remote or Edina, MN

Reports To:           Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Status:                    Full Time; Non-Exempt

TRAVEL:                  Up to 25% annually

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Sales, Food Service, is responsible for leading the Food Service Sales Team and managing all customer-facing sales activities within the food service channel. This role ensures that sales growth, customer satisfaction, and service objectives are achieved. This role will lead a team of sales managers and supporting brokers and reports to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the sales team, fostering collaboration and a growth mindset.
• Conduct coaching sessions, performance reviews, and regular team meetings to support talent development. 

Business Planning and Execution

• Lead the food service sales pipeline from prospecting through close, ensuring strong pipeline health and growth.
• Analyze market and sales trends, customer insights, and competitive activity to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
• Develop and implement annual and quarterly sales strategies aligned with company goals.
• Establish clear sales targets, KPIs, and performance benchmarks to drive high performance and accountability.
• Drive execution of sales plans and manage performance gaps, partnering cross-functionally to identify and implement effective solutions. 
• Lead the planning and execution of the annual food service trade show process, ensuring efficiency and best practice deployment.
• Prepare and deliver sales reports and performance updates to executive leadership.

Customer Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to enhance business growth and retention. 
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences to elevate brand presence and foster new opportunities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field required; MBA or advanced degree is desired
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, including at least five years at the management level or higher leading direct reports
• Experience in food manufacturing required
• Proven experience selling to national broadline food service customers
• Demonstrated success developing joint business plans
• Experience integrating brands/products from an acquisition desired. 
• Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, gap analysis, and performance management
• Effective negotiator with the ability to build, retain, and deepen customer relationships 
• Ability to influence at all levels within a highly cross-matrixed organization
• Hands-on, “roll-up your sleeves” leadership style- willing to dive into details while also maintaining strategic perspective 
• High integrity and strong character; models professional standards and behaviors for others 
• Strong coaching mindset focuses on developing talent, elevating team performance, and empowering others rather than directing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sales analytics tools
• Excellent organizational and project management skills