Vice President of Sales

A food distributor maintains unique relationships with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close customer relationships and offers advice on operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams.

Leads senior sales and marketing, fiscal planning, strategy, and target attainment. Also responsible for establishing sales territories and goals, sales, training, and market research.

This leader is a member of the senior leadership team, reports to the President, and manages and directs the Sales and Marketing Department staff, achieving performance metrics, managing expenses and revenue, and ensuring compliance with established safety standards and government regulations.

Analyzes market potential and develops and implements plans to achieve maximum market penetration.

Monitors competitive activity and provides feedback to leadership.

Thoroughly understands and fully leverages NLP and Market Watch programs to maximize the company's effectiveness and drive case growth.

Sets strategy based on customer business drivers to increase market share for products and services.

Oversees and directs annual Food Shows, General Sales Meetings, and DSM Meetings, etc.

Develops and fosters trusting customer relationships.

Directly manages major and critical developing customer accounts.

Builds and leads the strategy for training and developing sales staff (including Regional Managers, District Sales Managers, and Area Managers).

Leads and directs all aspects of sales and marketing performance, adjusting activities to meet or exceed financial targets.

Achieves targeted profit margins set by business goals; drives sales growth while maintaining acceptable gross margins.

Collaborates and leads sales leadership in presenting major proposals to key customers.

Provides expertise and assistance in the solicitation of new or prospective business by participating in meetings and other activities to help build customer relations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

10+ years in a sales leadership position in the food service distribution industry

10 years of experience managing a complex sales force across a large geographic area.