Reports To: CEO
Location: Kansas City, MO area – (Hybrid or Remote work options possible)
Company Profile
Farmer Direct Foods is a privately owned, highly entrepreneurial provider of high-quality, artisan baking flour. We are passionate about partnering with bakers and food service operators to deliver exceptional ingredients and innovative solutions. We are committed to sustainable practices/regenerative farming, strong relationships, and exceeding customer expectations.
Position Summary
The VP – Bakery and Food Service Sales is a key leadership role responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and building strong customer relationships within the bakery and food service channels. This role will be very hands on and be the “lead salesperson” for FDF in this channel and will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to achieve company objectives and create significant long term equity value.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Growth & Strategy:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve ambitious revenue targets in line with the company’s strategic plan and annual budget.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with both end-user customers (bakeries, restaurants, etc.) and distributor partners.
- Expand market penetration in existing territories and explore new geographic markets.
- Proactively manage pricing and promotional strategies to optimize profitability.
- Own/manage the P&L for the Bakery and Food Service business unit.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, ensuring their needs are met and exceeded.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to customers, providing solutions and support.
- Proactively identify and address customer challenges and opportunities.
Team Leadership & Collaboration:
- Effectively manage and mentor internal sales resources and external broker networks to achieve sales goals.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Participate actively in weekly senior leadership team meetings, contributing to cross-functional initiatives and strategic decision-making.
Product & Market Development:
- Collaborate with the product development team to shape the product offering, ensuring it meets market needs and trends.
- Participate in the development of key marketing plans and messaging, aligning sales efforts with overall marketing strategies.
Qualifications
Experience:
- 7+ years of proven success in bakery and/or food service sales, with a demonstrated track record of exceeding targets.
- Experience managing and developing sales teams, including both internal and external resources, including utilization of a CRM system.
- Strong understanding of the bakery and food service industries, including market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscape.
Skills:
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with customers, distributors, and internal stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent negotiation and closing skills.
- Proficient in CRM software and sales reporting tools.
Attributes:
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action and a results-oriented approach.
- Strong work ethic and commitment to “owning it” and delivering on commitments.
- Passion for the food industry, sustainability and a customer-centric mindset.
- Alignment with Farmer Direct Foods’ core values.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. Possibility for ownership through direct investment and stock options in a rapidly growing company.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing and dynamic company.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Farmer Direct Foods CEO, Tim Webster.
