Job: National Sales Manager – Food Service (Food)

Company Description

Our client for this National Sales Manager – Food Service position is a leading manufacturer of premium bakery products. With their US headquarters based in Cincinnati, OH, they are experiencing rapid growth and expansion across their food service division. The company is known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service in the commercial baking industry.

Objective of the Role

The National Sales Manager will be responsible for driving strategic growth across the food service sector, with a particular focus on key restaurant chains, hospitality accounts, and broadline distributors. This position will play a crucial role in expanding the company’s market presence while developing and maintaining long-term partnerships with major food service accounts across the United States.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned sales professional with deep expertise in the food service industry, possessing:

• Extensive knowledge of the commercial baking category
• Strong relationships with key decision-makers in the food service sector
• Proven track record of driving significant revenue growth
• Strategic mindset with excellent business acumen
• Outstanding leadership and communication abilities
• Strong analytical and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve growth objectives across food service channels
• Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, including major restaurant chains, HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café), and broadline distributors
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities on a national level
• Create and deliver compelling customer presentations and proposals
• Analyze market trends and sales data to identify growth opportunities
• Lead customer education initiatives on products and industry trends
• Manage broker relationships where applicable
• Coordinate new customer onboarding and product listing processes
• Attend and represent the company at industry trade shows
• Provide regular reporting on sales activities and market developments
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful execution of customer initiatives

Requirements

• 10-15 years of successful sales experience in food service, with emphasis on restaurant chains and commercial accounts
• Demonstrated history of achieving and exceeding sales targets
• Extensive network of contacts within the food service industry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to travel 40-50% of the time
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred