VP of Sales

We are looking for a seasoned, highly connected sales executive in the low acid aseptic beverage industry who is ready to go out and win business. This is not a strategy or org-building role. It is a senior individual contributor and relationship-driven sales position for someone who thrives in front of customers, has deep existing relationships across CPG brands and co-manufacturing buyers, and knows how to move deals from first conversation to signed contract.

You will be the primary commercial hunter for Steuben Foods, operating at the forefront of aseptic beverage manufacturing. You will leverage your network, open new accounts, expand existing relationships, and bring real, executable revenue through the door. The right person for this role is already well-known in the industry and does not need to be told where to look.

This is an onsite role based in Elma, NY, with significant travel expected to customer sites and industry events.

Core Accountabilities

Pipeline Development & Account Acquisition

• Proactively identify, pursue, and close new co-manufacturing and private label accounts across CPG, health & wellness, and branded food and beverage categories
• Leverage existing industry relationships to open doors quickly and move opportunities through the pipeline with urgency
• Manage a personal book of prospective accounts from first contact through executed supply agreement
• Travel regularly to meet customers, attend trade events, and build the relationships that drive long-term business
  
  

Customer Relationship Management

• Own senior-level relationships at target and current accounts, serving as the primary point of contact for key commercial conversations
• Build trust with brand owners, procurement leaders, and innovation teams at CPG companies across the country
• Expand existing customer relationships into new product lines, formats, or volume commitments
• Represent the company’s capabilities with deep credibility — you understand aseptic manufacturing, co-packing economics, and what customers care about
  
  

Deal Execution

• Develop and present compelling proposals aligned with the company’s capabilities and financial objectives
• Negotiate contract terms and pricing in partnership with operations and finance, ensuring deals are executable and profitable
• Ensure smooth handoff from signed contract to onboarding, working closely with operations and customer success teams
• Maintain accurate pipeline records and report on deal status, close timelines, and revenue forecasts
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of B2B sales experience in food and beverage manufacturing, co-packing, or CPG
• A real, active network of decision-makers across CPG brands, ingredient buyers, or retail-focused food companies — not contacts from a decade ago
• Proven track record of personally closing large, complex supply agreements or co-manufacturing contracts
• Deep understanding of co-packing economics, supply chain dynamics, and how customers evaluate manufacturing partners
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder who is comfortable engaging at the C-suite level
• Comfortable with significant travel and face-to-face selling
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling aseptic, UHT, or extended shelf life manufacturing capabilities
• Established relationships with health & wellness, plant-based, or functional beverage brands
• Prior experience at a co-manufacturer, ingredient supplier, or CPG company in a customer-facing commercial role
  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work onsite at company facilities and customer locations as required
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings
• Ability to move throughout manufacturing and office environments
• Ability to work extended or non-standard hours as needed to support customer engagements and business activities
  
  

Additional Notes

• Regular travel to customer sites, trade events, and partner locations is expected and integral to this role
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions
  
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of B2B sales experience in food and beverage manufacturing, co-packing, or CPG
• A real, active network of decision-makers across CPG brands, ingredient buyers, or retail-focused food companies — not contacts from a decade ago
• Proven track record of personally closing large, complex supply agreements or co-manufacturing contracts
• Deep understanding of co-packing economics, supply chain dynamics, and how customers evaluate manufacturing partners
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder who is comfortable engaging at the C-suite level
• Comfortable with significant travel and face-to-face selling