National Account Manager Food Service Ingredients

Primary Purpose: We are seeking a results-driven National Account Sales Manager to lead strategic growth across national foodservice chains and ingredient customers. This role will focus on building and managing high-impact relationships with key accounts that value quality, innovation, and partnership. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined, insights-driven approach to selling, with a passion for premium food solutions and a deep understanding of the food service and ingredient landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Own and grow a portfolio of national foodservice and ingredient accounts

• Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with customer goals and company objectives

• Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and promotional planning

• Serve as a trusted advisor and value-added solution provider across the customer's supply chain

• Facilitate innovation sessions and product ideation in collaboration with culinary and R&D teams

• Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, Operations, Finance) to ensure seamless execution and alignment

• Leverage internal resources to support customer needs and drive process improvements

• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer insights to inform strategy

• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the development of the sales pipeline

• Product focus on expanding and growing product lines with branded products and imported products

• Create and maintain actionable database for customer contact/sand opportunity history and selling activities (Salesforce.com/Lightning)

• Coordinate and manage trade show participation as necessary

Qualifications

Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

• BS/BA required in a relevant field such as marketing or business administration.

• Cheese/Dairy experience or related commodities

• 5+ years sales experience in the cheese/dairy or food industry; food service and ingredient experience a plus

• Proven track record to grow business and an ability to handle financial dealings with large customer accounts

• Deep understanding of foodservice distribution, menu development, and supply chain dynamics

• Passion for premium food products and culinary innovation

• Comfortable in fast paced entrepreneurial environment

• Highly curious/motivated for learning

• Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills

• Knowledge of how to develop client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions

• Understanding of how to position products against competitors