The client is a fast-growing food company specializing in high-quality products sold to cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and retailers. The VP of Sales & Marketing will manage and grow existing business while identifying new opportunities, markets, and innovative sales strategies to drive revenue growth. An external agency handles day-to-day marketing operations, and this role provides strategic oversight to ensure marketing efforts align with sales objectives and long-term business goals.
Key responsibilities include developing and executing a comprehensive sales and business development strategy across existing and new markets; strengthening relationships with current foodservice and retail customers; and pursuing new accounts and distribution opportunities. The VP will explore approaches to expand market presence, such as alternative sales channels, partnerships, and product positioning strategies, while overseeing and optimizing sales operations to ensure the team meets and exceeds revenue targets. The role also involves collaborating with the marketing agency, monitoring industry trends and competitor activity, and using customer insights to inform strategic decisions.
The ideal candidate is a results-driven commercial leader with a proven track record in sales and business development within the food industry and experience across foodservice, retail, and distribution channels. They should have strong strategic vision and the ability to balance managing current operations with exploring new market opportunities, along with a proactive, hands-on leadership style to build and manage high-performance sales teams. Requirements include 10+ years of experience in sales and marketing leadership (preferably in food or consumer goods), strong analytical and negotiation skills, and experience aligning external marketing partners with sales objectives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.