National Accounts and Foodservice Director
Latina Chief | Executive Search, California, MO, United States
Our client is a fast-growing U.S.-based food company dedicated to bringing authentic Hispanic-inspired flavors to consumers nationwide.
The Position The Director, National Accounts and Foodservice will be responsible for driving business development, growth, and strategic partnerships across the foodservice sector, including national and regional restaurant chains, K-12 programs, and broadline distributors.
Reporting to the Chief Customer Officer, this role will shape and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy that balances profitability, innovation, and operational excellence. The ideal leader will combine commercial acumen with strategic foresight, collaborating closely with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance to enable growth and flawless execution.
This position requires a strong sales leader who can identify new business opportunities, build deep partnerships, and elevate the brand’s presence within major restaurant chains and institutional foodservice programs nationwide.
Key Metrics & Impact
Leads national and regional restaurant chain, K-12, and broadline distributor segments across the U.S.
Reports directly to the Chief Commercial Officer.
Oversees a 3-member team focused on K-12, Broadline Distribution, and Regional Chains.
Responsible for approximately $60 million in annual foodservice sales, with high-growth potential.
Accountable for revenue growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion.
Expected to drive double‑digit growth while maintaining brand authenticity and operational discipline.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a strategic yet hands‑on sales leader with a strong background in the foodservice industry. They will demonstrate the ability to manage complex customer relationships, drive profitable growth, and lead teams with purpose and alignment.
Key attributes include:
7–10 years of sales leadership experience in the foodservice industry, ideally managing national or regional restaurant chain accounts.
Demonstrated success leading restaurant chain, K-12, and distributor segments.
Proven ability to develop joint business strategies and long‑term partnerships with operators and distributors.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to inspire cross‑functional collaboration.
Strategic thinker with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making and problem‑solving.
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and negotiation skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability to a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Growth & Account Leadership
Lead and expand the company’s presence within national and regional restaurant chains, identifying and securing new opportunities.
Develop and implement a commercial strategy for the foodservice sector that drives profitable growth and innovation.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for key foodservice customers, including menu development and procurement teams.
Oversee and mentor a team of three direct reports covering K-12, Broadline Distribution, and Regional Chains.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer‑centricity.
Develop talent and succession plans to support long‑term growth in the foodservice division.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure seamless execution and alignment with customer needs.
Lead business reviews and forecasting with key accounts, identifying growth opportunities and mitigating risk.
Customer Development & Innovation
Build strong partnerships with restaurant operators and distributors to expand menu placement and product penetration.
Collaborate with internal teams to design customized foodservice solutions.
Support long‑term planning and innovation initiatives that align with evolving consumer trends and operator needs.
Key Skills and Competencies
Strong commercial and relationship management skills within foodservice channels.
Deep understanding of restaurant chain, K-12, and broadline distribution models.
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to translate insights into strategy.
Skilled negotiator with experience developing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
Entrepreneurial, agile, and collaborative mindset.
Education and Work Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
7–10 years of progressive experience in foodservice sales leadership.
Proven track record in managing restaurant chains, distributors, and institutional accounts.
Experience leading teams and developing joint business strategies.
Willingness to travel approximately 40–50% of the time.
Based remotely near a major U.S. airport.
The Perks
Opportunity to lead and expand a high‑potential foodservice division in a fast‑growing organization.
Play a central role in shaping national restaurant and institutional partnerships.
Collaborate with a passionate leadership team that values authenticity, innovation, and excellence.
Join a company with a strong cultural mission and a commitment to quality.
Competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth potential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Position The Director, National Accounts and Foodservice will be responsible for driving business development, growth, and strategic partnerships across the foodservice sector, including national and regional restaurant chains, K-12 programs, and broadline distributors.
Reporting to the Chief Customer Officer, this role will shape and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy that balances profitability, innovation, and operational excellence. The ideal leader will combine commercial acumen with strategic foresight, collaborating closely with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance to enable growth and flawless execution.
This position requires a strong sales leader who can identify new business opportunities, build deep partnerships, and elevate the brand’s presence within major restaurant chains and institutional foodservice programs nationwide.
Key Metrics & Impact
Leads national and regional restaurant chain, K-12, and broadline distributor segments across the U.S.
Reports directly to the Chief Commercial Officer.
Oversees a 3-member team focused on K-12, Broadline Distribution, and Regional Chains.
Responsible for approximately $60 million in annual foodservice sales, with high-growth potential.
Accountable for revenue growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion.
Expected to drive double‑digit growth while maintaining brand authenticity and operational discipline.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a strategic yet hands‑on sales leader with a strong background in the foodservice industry. They will demonstrate the ability to manage complex customer relationships, drive profitable growth, and lead teams with purpose and alignment.
Key attributes include:
7–10 years of sales leadership experience in the foodservice industry, ideally managing national or regional restaurant chain accounts.
Demonstrated success leading restaurant chain, K-12, and distributor segments.
Proven ability to develop joint business strategies and long‑term partnerships with operators and distributors.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to inspire cross‑functional collaboration.
Strategic thinker with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making and problem‑solving.
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and negotiation skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability to a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Growth & Account Leadership
Lead and expand the company’s presence within national and regional restaurant chains, identifying and securing new opportunities.
Develop and implement a commercial strategy for the foodservice sector that drives profitable growth and innovation.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for key foodservice customers, including menu development and procurement teams.
Oversee and mentor a team of three direct reports covering K-12, Broadline Distribution, and Regional Chains.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer‑centricity.
Develop talent and succession plans to support long‑term growth in the foodservice division.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure seamless execution and alignment with customer needs.
Lead business reviews and forecasting with key accounts, identifying growth opportunities and mitigating risk.
Customer Development & Innovation
Build strong partnerships with restaurant operators and distributors to expand menu placement and product penetration.
Collaborate with internal teams to design customized foodservice solutions.
Support long‑term planning and innovation initiatives that align with evolving consumer trends and operator needs.
Key Skills and Competencies
Strong commercial and relationship management skills within foodservice channels.
Deep understanding of restaurant chain, K-12, and broadline distribution models.
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to translate insights into strategy.
Skilled negotiator with experience developing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
Entrepreneurial, agile, and collaborative mindset.
Education and Work Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
7–10 years of progressive experience in foodservice sales leadership.
Proven track record in managing restaurant chains, distributors, and institutional accounts.
Experience leading teams and developing joint business strategies.
Willingness to travel approximately 40–50% of the time.
Based remotely near a major U.S. airport.
The Perks
Opportunity to lead and expand a high‑potential foodservice division in a fast‑growing organization.
Play a central role in shaping national restaurant and institutional partnerships.
Collaborate with a passionate leadership team that values authenticity, innovation, and excellence.
Join a company with a strong cultural mission and a commitment to quality.
Competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth potential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr