The Director of Food Sales will design and lead the execution of the go-to-market strategy for Hotalings new Food Division scaling revenue from our existing core product (Luxardo cherries) into adjacent product lines and emerging categories. This leader will establish strong trust-based relationships with our current food broker network national and regional distributors and key specialty and confectionery accounts.
This is a hands-on strategic role that blends selling coaching and system-building. You will personally drive customer acquisition elevate broker and distributor performance and develop the processes tools and operating rhythms that create predictable repeatable growth for the division.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a 1224 month go-to-market sales strategy and playbook aligned with company objectives.
- Define and prioritize target channels (specialty food bakeries grocery foodservice) based on ROI and strategic opportunity.
Revenue Growth
Grow Food Division revenue by expanding category penetration and introducing new SKUs.Set track and achieve quarterly and annual sales targets including pipeline creation conversion rates average order size and repeat purchase metrics.Channel & Partner Management
Strengthen relationships with the existing food broker network ensuring alignment on targets assortment and promotional plans.Manage relationships with regional and national distributors; negotiate terms exclusivity agreements listings and joint business plans.Identify and onboard new distributors and specialty brokers as needed to accelerate reach and coverage.Account Penetration
Identify pursue and secure key specialty food and confectionery accounts (buyers category managers co-packers manufacturers gourmet retailers).Develop tailored selling strategies for brokers distributors and end customers to improve penetration and retention.Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Marketing Supply Chain Operations and Finance to ensure product readiness accurate forecasting pricing promotional cadence and efficient order fulfillment.Provide market feedback to inform SKU selection packaging labeling and pricing.Sales Operations & Reporting
Build and refine sales tools KPIs CRM processes forecasting rhythms and performance scorecards.Prepare and deliver monthly executive-level reporting on pipeline health win / loss analysis margins and go-to-market progress.Team Development
Hire mentor and support sales representatives and account managers as the division grows; provide coaching and define measurable performance goals.
Success Metrics (First 12 Months)
Establish baseline performance metrics and meet agreed-upon revenue targets (e.g. X% year-over-year growthfinalized with leadership).Convert X priority specialty / confectionery accounts and / or secure national distributor or retailer listings within 612 months.Increase broker-driven revenue conversion by X% through improved planning and incentive alignment.Launch Y new SKUs into target channels and achieve defined sell-through rates.Fully implement CRM tools reporting cadence and pipeline coverage metrics.Qualifications : Qualifications
7 years of B2B sales experience in specialty food ingredients confectionery or related CPG categories including direct experience managing brokers distributors and specialty accounts.Proven ability to launch new products and scale revenue through distributor and broker networks.Strong negotiation skills with brokers and distributors; experienced in commercial contracts pricing and promotional terms.Excellent relationship-building skills and a history of developing long-term strategic partnerships.Demonstrated strategic and operational capabilities : pipeline management forecasting and KPI-driven decision-making.Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) MS Excel and sales analytics tools.Willingness to travel frequently and represent the company at trade shows and customer meetings.Preferred Skills
Experience collaborating with specialty food and confectionery brokers.Experience with imported specialty ingredients or premium branded ingredients.MBA or advanced degree.Existing relationships with buyers in specialty retail confectionery manufacturing gourmet foodservice or premium grocery.Additional Information :
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter including :
An example of a product launch or channel penetration initiative you led and the results achieved.Key brokers / distributors or specialty accounts youve worked with (high-level descriptions are fine).Your proposed 90-day plan for this role (top three priorities).Remote Work : Yes
Employment Type : Full-time
Key Skills
Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills
Department / Functional Area : Operations
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1