Job Description

Our client is an established Virginia based food manufacturer. They are hiring a Sales Manager to lead all sales, customer, and business development work. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will grow sales volume, protect margins, and keep customers satisfied through strong service and close teamwork with production, logistics, and quality. You will also manage the company's food brokers, track industry trends, and deliver sales forecasts and reports to senior leadership. This role fits someone who likes to set strategy and stay close to the accounts at the same time.

What You Will Do

• Build and run sales strategies that hit assigned sales and profit goals.
• Work with leadership and logistics to set annual sales plans, spot growth, and track results.
• Study customer, broker, and distributor data to find trends and new opportunities.
• Retain and grow current accounts through proactive account management.
• Win new business in industrial, private-label, and bulk markets.
• Direct food brokers so the company is well represented and new customers are developed.
• Own customer-level profit and loss by watching margins, pricing, and profitability.
• Serve as the main contact for customers by phone, email, and in-person meetings.
• Coordinate with Production, Logistics, Quality, and Accounting on order accuracy, shipping, quality, invoicing, and collections.
• Work with the food safety and quality team so customers get the right documents, such as certificates of analysis, product specifications, labeling, and allergen statements.
• Watch market conditions, competitor pricing, and industry trends to keep the company competitive.
• Deliver accurate monthly sales reports, forecasts, and performance metrics on time.
• Take part in trade shows, customer visits, and industry events.

Requirements

Essential

• 3 to 5 years of experience in food manufacturing or agricultural commodity sales.
• Proven record of hitting sales targets and managing business-to-business relationships.
• Working knowledge of food safety and documentation, such as HACCP, FSMA, certificates of analysis, and traceability.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and an ERP system such as SAP.
• Willing and able to travel as needed for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• Peanut or nut industry experience.
• Experience working with food brokers or distributors in food manufacturing or the ingredient supply chain.
• Ability to analyze sales data, forecast trends, and build strategic growth plans.
• Strong interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving and conflict resolution, and the ability to work independently and stay organized.

Benefits

• 85,000 to 95,000 USD per year
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Supplemental coverage
• Auto allowance
• Paid vacation, PTO, and paid holidays

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-virginia-beach-chesapeake-and-arlington-virginia/

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