We are a rapidly growing leader in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, revolutionizing the way fresh produce is grown and delivered. Our company specializes in sustainable indoor farming, utilizing advanced greenhouse technologies and data-driven systems to produce high-quality leafy greens year-round. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, we employ practices such as solar energy, water recirculation, and chemical-free cultivation. Our operations support local economies while reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming. As we continue to expand, we are looking for a passionate professional to lead our Foodservice Sales team.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vice President of Sales – Foodservice is a senior executive role responsible for developing and executing the strategic sales vision to drive growth, profitability, and market penetration across the foodservice channel. The Company wants to execute a growth plan to build our foodservice business to a $100M revenue business by 2030 and wants a leader up for this challenge. This leader will focus on expanding the company’s presence among key sectors including independent restaurants, fast casual, QSRs, and broadline distributors, while building and managing a high-performing sales team to deliver consistent, sustainable results.
**Remote role with up to 40% travel, ideally located in the Northeast, Southeast or Chicago area.**
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership: Define and lead the go-to-market strategy and product line development for foodservice sales, aligning with corporate objectives to accelerate growth and margin improvement.
- Market Expansion: Identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities across the foodservice landscape, including chain accounts, regional operators, and emerging concepts.
- Customer & Key Account Management: Cultivate and expand executive-level relationships with key customers and partners. Guide strategic business reviews and collaborate on long-term planning and solution development.
- Team Development: Build, mentor, and manage a best-in-class sales team. Foster a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, results, and professional growth.
- Forecasting & Budgeting: Lead sales forecasting, budgeting, and P&L accountability for the foodservice segment, working closely with finance, operations, and executive leadership.
- Sales Operations & Execution: Oversee and optimize the entire sales cycle and methodology, ensuring best practices in pipeline development, customer engagement, and CRM utilization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and production to align demand generation, innovation, product availability, and customer success initiatives.
- Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer dynamics to inform strategic decisions and drive proactive market positioning.
- Trade Marketing & Events: Represent the company at key industry events, trade shows, and conferences to increase brand visibility and generate new business.
- Compliance & Food Safety: Partner with Compliance and Production to align internal programs with customer food safety and quality expectations. Facilitate Compliance support for documentation, inquiries, and transparency. Provide strategic sales leadership and coordination in the event of a product recall.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field
- 10+ years of progressive sales leadership experience in the foodservice industry, with a proven track record of success managing large territories and high-value accounts.
- Deep knowledge of the foodservice ecosystem, including operator, distributor, and broker relationships.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing tactically in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Proficiency in sales analytics, forecasting tools, and Microsoft Office
- Willingness to travel up to 40% to support customer engagement and team leadership efforts.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.