What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Food Service Sales position at Water Lilies Food, LLC.?
Position: Director of FS Sales
Reports to: VP of FS Sales
About the Company:
Water Lilies Food, LLC is a private equity-backed manufacturer and distributor of premium Asian-inspired food. Established for 30 years, the Company moved in 2020 to a new state-of-the-art facility in Bay Shore, NY (Suffolk County Long Island) and is experiencing rapid growth. We are developing and supplying products for some of the leading retailers, wholesalers, and branded Asian-appetizer businesses. Our vision is to be the preferred supplying partner of premium Asian-inspired food. We achieve this by living up to our Mission to deliver our products and services with attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset, agility, and authenticity. Within our culture employees can have a meaningful impact on the business and organization. We work collaboratively and humbly strive to get better every day while being respectful of all talents and backgrounds. The Company is embarking on another major expansion project and is expecting to more than double the business in the next 2-3 years.
Job Summary:
The Director of Sales will report directly to the Vice President of Sales – Foodservice and play a critical role in driving new business growth for Water Lilies’ foodservice division. This individual will focus on expanding distribution and bringing new food service sales to achieve aggressive revenue targets through national chain accounts, broadline distributors and key distribution channels. The ideal candidate will be a results-driven sales leader with deep experience in the frozen food industry, capable of balancing strategic account management with tactical execution. Approximately 50% of travel is expected. Water Lilies Food is seeking passionate, career-minded individuals who want to grow with us and make a tangible impact in an expanding category.
Responsibilities:
- Support the VP of Sales in developing and executing national and regional sales strategies to drive growth in the food service channel.
- Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities within the QSRs, institutional accounts, distributors, and chains.
- Build and maintain strong relationship with major foodservice accounts.
- Act as a key contact for major foodservice national accounts, ensuring high customer satisfaction and retention.
- Set KPIs and evaluate regularly with the VP of Sales for strategic development opportunities.
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform product development and pricing.
- Attend customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events as a brand ambassador.
- Ensure alignment with company policies, processes, and financial objectives.
Requirements / Competencies:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
- Over 10 years of sales experience in the food industry with a strong background in frozen food category.
- Prior experience managing and developing business with national and regional restaurant chains and foodservice outlets is required.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a results-driven mindset.
- Collaborative team player who is proactive, organized, and strategic.
- Proficient in MS office.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel frequently for customer meetings and trade events.
Must be able to navigate office, manufacturing, and customer environments as needed.
Will need to move within the office to access office machinery, file cabinets, and collaborate with colleagues. Consistent use of office equipment, such equipment may include but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and copiers. The employee will be required to frequently communicate with both internal staff members as well as external parties or customers and must be able to convey accurate information. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change based on company needs as expressed by management.
