Food Service Sales Manager

We are a leading CPG (consumer packaged goods) company that specializes in the manufacturing and distributing high-quality organic and plant-based food products. As we continue to expand our market presence, we are seeking a motivated and experienced Food Service Sales Director. The Food Service Sales Director will play a pivotal role setting channel sales strategies, driving sales growth, maintaining relationships with customers and brokers - and increasing penetration within the Food Service channel.

SunButter: (Division of Red River Commodities, Fargo North Dakota), SunButter is the preeminent market leader in Sunflower Seed Butter sold at retail and foodservice. At SunButter we’re committed to making delicious tasting sunflower butter made with simple ingredients, free from the top 8 food allergens, and containing more vitamins & minerals than most nut butters!

Position Overview: The Food Service Sales Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and expanding business opportunities within the food service industry. This role involves developing and executing sales strategies, building and maintaining client relationships, and managing a sales team to achieve revenue targets. The Food Service Sales Manager will play a key role in promoting and selling food service products and services to restaurants, hotels, institutions, and other food service providers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sales Strategy & Planning:
   • Develop and implement sales strategies and plans to achieve revenue and growth objectives in the food service sector.
   • Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify new business opportunities and refine sales tactics.
2. Client Acquisition & Relationship Management:
   • Identify and target potential clients in the food service industry, including restaurants, hotels, caterers, and institutions.
   • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients and stakeholders, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Sales Execution:
   • Lead and manage the sales process from prospecting to closing, including preparing and presenting sales proposals, negotiating terms, and finalizing contracts.
   • Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions that align with their food service requirements.
4. Market & Product Knowledge:
   • Stay informed about industry trends, product developments, and competitive offerings to effectively position and sell food service products.
   • Provide expertise and insights on food service solutions, including product specifications, pricing, and value propositions.
5. Sales Reporting & Analytics:
   • Track and analyze sales performance metrics, including revenue, pipeline status, and customer acquisition rates.
   • Prepare and present regular sales reports and forecasts to senior management, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.
6. Customer Service & Support:
   • Address and resolve customer issues, complaints, and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
   • Work closely with the customer service team to ensure smooth order processing, delivery, and after-sales support.
7. Marketing & Promotion:
   • Collaborate with the marketing team to develop promotional materials, campaigns, and events that drive awareness and sales of food service products.
   • Participate in trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities to represent the company and generate new business leads.
8. Budget Management:
   • Develop and manage the sales budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and alignment with financial targets.
   • Monitor expenses and provide financial reports on sales performance and budget adherence.
9. Continuous Improvement:
   • Identify and implement best practices and innovative approaches to enhance sales processes and strategies.
   • Stay current with industry developments and continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in sales, preferably within the food service industry.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of food service products, market dynamics, and customer needs.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a sales team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the snack food industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of [CRM or sales software] or similar systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time remote position.
• Travel up to 20-40% required for client meetings and industry events.
• Some flexibility in working hours may be needed to accommodate client schedules and time zones.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• Work-life-balance
• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Join us in our mission to redefine excellence in the food service industry. If you have a passion for driving sales, a proven track record of leadership, and a deep understanding of the branded food service sector, we invite you to apply for the position of Food Service Sales Director at SunButter.

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.