National Foodservice Director
Job Description:
Summary of Basic Functions:
The Director of Food Service Sales is responsible for driving sales growth and expanding Cumberland Packing, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Butter Buds Inc.s, presence in the food service sector. This role will manage a network of sales brokers and develop relationships with key distributors and operators to increase revenue. In addition, the position is responsible for market planning, sales budgeting and execution of marketing programs in the channel. This position will be responsible for making new product/innovation recommendations and working with R&D/Technical Services to bring products to life. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food service sales, relationship management, and business development, and a passion for delivering high-quality branded products to the industry. A successful track record launching new products into the foodservice market will be key.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Sales Strategy & Execution
- Develop and execute a comprehensive food service sales strategy, aligning with Cumberland Packing and Butter Buds Inc.'s goals and growth initiatives.
- Assess current broker network and recommend and implement changes to optimize network, including the hire of brokers in any existing market voids.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with foodservice distributors and operators in all commercial and non-commercial segments away from home.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to quantify and recommend new pack sizes and/or line extensions, and innovations.
- Lead contract negotiations and pricing strategies to optimize revenue and profitability, including the oversight of bids/RFPs
- Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to refine sales strategies.
Customer & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key food service brokers, distributors, operators and direct customers.
- Identifying key accounts to develop relationships with culinary, marketing, and menu development to demonstrate how Butter Buds can be a value-added solution.
- Represent Cumberland Packing and Butter Buds Inc. at industry trade shows, food service events, and customer meetings.
Financial & Operational Oversight
- Develop and manage the food service sales budget, ensuring alignment with revenue and profit goals.
- Monitor sales performance, forecast revenue, and adjust strategies as needed.
- Partner with supply chain and operations to ensure efficient order fulfillment and inventory management.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- A bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field is preferred. However, extensive industry experience and a proven track record in food service sales may be considered in place of formal education.
- At least 10 years of foodservice sales experience is preferred. Experience in a leadership position is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of the foodservice distribution landscape, including key distributors, chains, and buying groups.
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and expanding market share.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Marketing, Technical Services, Supply Chain and Operations.
- Collaboration with R&D and Applications kitchen to optimize product demos and build an portfolio of product applications is a must.
- Willingness to travel up to 50% to meet with customers and attend industry events
- Experienced and proficient in creating and modifying presentations, spreadsheets, and documents using MS Office software and technology, including MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Required Skills:
Sales Growth Bids Sales Strategy Outlook Operations Sales Performance Word BASIC Collaboration Operators Oversight Market Share New Business Opportunities Distributors Packing MS Powerpoint Presentation Skills Spreadsheets PowerPoint Excel Supply Travel Inventory Management Budgeting Strategy Presentations Business Development Negotiation MS Office Education Software Planning Marketing Business Leadership Science Sales Communication Management