Job Title

Director of Sales

Overview

A fast-growing, premium food manufacturer specializing in ready‑to‑cook and heat‑and‑eat protein products is seeking an experienced and self‑directed Director of Sales to take ownership of revenue generation and customer development. This role is a ground‑floor opportunity to lead all sales efforts, starting as an individual contributor and evolving into a leadership role as the company builds a national sales team. The position reports directly to the CEO and is integral to the company’s expansion in the retail grocery space.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Sales Leadership: Serve as the initial point person for all direct sales activity, responsible for identifying, pitching, and securing new retail grocery accounts across both regional and national banners.
• Retail Channel Development: Leverage existing industry relationships and cultivate new partnerships to expand the company’s footprint within the retail grocery sector.
• Strategic Sales Execution: Develop and implement a national sales plan aligned with company growth targets, focusing on product placement, promotional strategy, and market penetration.
• Team Building & Leadership: Transition into a sales leadership role by recruiting, mentoring, and managing a high‑performance sales team as the business scales.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, operations, and product development to align sales strategies with customer needs and internal capabilities.
• Performance Management: Define, track, and report on key sales KPIs—including revenue growth, account acquisition, customer retention, and promotional effectiveness.
• Forecasting & Budgeting: Create and manage annual sales budgets and revenue forecasts, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for maximum return on investment.
• Industry Representation: Represent the company at key trade shows, industry events, and buyer meetings to build brand visibility and strengthen retail partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of sales experience with a strong track record in the retail grocery channel, including direct relationships with major buyers and retailers.
• Demonstrated success in new business development, market expansion, and category growth.
• Experience working with protein‑based food products (e.g., beef, pork, poultry) strongly preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong self‑management skills and the ability to operate autonomously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational abilities.
• Willingness to travel for customer meetings, industry events, and trade shows as needed.

Preferred Attributes

• Results‑oriented and hands‑on, with a genuine passion for high‑quality food products.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment where initiative and ownership are key.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically while building and leading a future sales team.

Compensation

We offer a competitive base salary, performance‑based incentives, and equity participation for the right candidate. Compensation will grow in alignment with sales performance, team expansion, and business results.