Sales Director

I'm seeking a results-oriented Sales Director, National Accounts to drive growth across the U.S. National Accounts and Industrial sales. This role will focus on managing strategic national accounts while aggressively pursuing new opportunities in white space markets. With a strong emphasis on customized flavor solutions, value-added functional ingredients, and industrial applications, the successful candidate will expand partnerships with Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Fast Casual and Casual Dining chains, as well as food manufacturers.

The right leader will combine proven experience in building national account relationships with the ability to uncover untapped opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and deliver profitable, sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic sales plans to expand national account partnerships and penetrate new market segments.
• Manage a portfolio of major U.S. accounts, ensuring long-term retention and accelerated growth.
• Leverage industry connections to secure new customer relationships and open doors with leading QSR, Fast Casual, Casual Dining, and food manufacturers.
• Champion innovation by partnering with customers on menu strategy, industrial applications, and category expansion.
• Lead contract negotiations, securing agreements that drive growth while protecting margin and long-term business interests.
• Build, coach, and inspire a high-performing sales team focused on accountability, performance, and business development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Culinary, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure customer solutions are commercially viable and scalable.
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry forums, and customer events to enhance visibility and credibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive sales experience in the food industry, with a focus on customized seasonings, sauces, or value-added functional ingredients.
• Demonstrated success managing and expanding relationships with national accounts, ideally across QSR, Fast Casual, and Casual Dining channels.
• Track record of opening new business in white space categories and delivering multi-million-dollar revenue growth.
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to coach and mentor a sales team.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food industry trends, industrial applications, and customer innovation processes.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the U.S. to build and strengthen customer relationships.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for business development and market expansion.
• Highly skilled at building trust and credibility with senior decision-makers.
• Results-driven leader who thrives in a competitive, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communicator and collaborator, with the ability to translate customer needs into business solutions.