At Lakeside, we're committed to growing our company – and our people. When you join the Lakeside team, you’ll become part of our family. Since 1887 we’ve produced a diverse line of canned and frozen foods. We sell our products through major retailers, food service distributors and national restaurant chains. We’re driven to find new, innovative ways to serve our customers and our community. And there’s a seat at the table for you.

Position Summary:

The position of Director of Sales at our Cher-Make facility offers a hardworking, team-oriented individual the opportunity to be responsible for overseeing sales activities to achieve maximum growth and profitability for the Cher-Make Sausage business unit. This person is a hands on leader who can operate at the local/regional level and also has the ability to take ownership of Corporate Accounts & Customers, manage and negotiate all senior level relationships & contracts: Distributors (Regional, national), National Accounts and Contract Management (multi-regional, national, regional). This leader will coordinate a Field Sales team and Broker network while also working in close collaboration with other functional leaders on the Lakeside Foods Sales team to drive top-line growth and profitability.

What You'll Do:

• Develops, directs and coordinates the growth strategy of the Cher-Make business unit accomplishing goals and objectives that are in accordance with the company’s strategic plan.
• Liaison between Cher-Make and counterparts in distribution, operations, finance/administration, quality assurance and human resources at Lakeside Foods headquarters.
• Actively pursue, develop and close new key accounts.
• Build relationships with key decision makers that understand our value-added offerings with accounts’ R&D, Culinary, Marketing, Operations and Procurement.
• Work with Lakeside Marketing and Culinary teams to develop and deliver insight-driven ideations and applications to drive new sales at strategic accounts.
• Build, maintain and share a high-level of competitor and segment knowledge in terms of product offerings, contract development, volume and trade spend, etc.
• Prepare and manage sales forecasts as required.
• Maintain confidentiality on all Company information.
• Perform duties in a manner that contributes to a profitable business and an improved company image.
• Direct and manage other sales people as requested by Sr. Vice President – Sales.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring:

• A four-year college degree is required with an MBA being desirable but not mandatory.
• A minimum of 10 years of senior level sales experience (account selling in the Sausage category preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of, and experience working with, all customer segments of the United States Retail Grocery channel including, National accounts, distributor’s, etc.
• Ideally, experience in both large and small companies thereby possessing both an entrepreneurial spirit and a comfort level with process management that is typical in larger organizations.

Work Environment:

• This position requires significant travel at many times during the year. This travel includes air travel, as well as car travel. The individual must have a valid driver's license and be able to travel on their own.

Lakeside Foods welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status.

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