Vp of Sales

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The Vice President of Sales-Retail will lead the strategic direction and execution of sales initiatives for Freshstone Brands in the retail sector. This role is pivotal in driving revenue growth, enhancing brand visibility, and establishing strong relationships with key retail partners. The VP of Sales-Retail will collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and operational teams to ensure that Freshstone’s high-quality food products are effectively presented and promoted across retail environments.

**REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & REPORTS**:
This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development.

**ORGANIZATION**:
Freshstone Brands Inc. (“FBI”) is a premier manufacturer of high-quality prepared food products that services the retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels. The Company’s products include branded and private label entrees, salads, sides, appetizers, hand-held foods, and other prepared foods. FBI supplies fresh and some frozen items to major Canadian retailers for sale “behind the glass” or in packaged formats in the perimeter of the store, as well as to well-known foodservice customers, and some major branded food businesses under contract.

FBI manufactures its products in 6 manufacturing plants which are SQF Level 3 certified strategically located across Canada, giving FBI critical mass, and geographic proximity to the US market.

With its own brands, FBI services all the major Grocery, Mass, Club and Food Service customers in Canada either directly or through distributor and broker relationships. Additionally, FBI has co-developed and launched a variety of “own-label” and private label programs with a wide range of blue-chip, recognized retailers and food service companies across North America.

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**:

- Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies that align with FBI’s business goals and market demands.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with major retail partners, ensuring their needs are met and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Lead, mentor, and support the retail sales team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations to optimize sales strategies and drive revenue.
- Conduct thorough market and competitor analyses, staying abreast of industry trends to inform sales strategies and product positioning.
- Collaborate with marketing, operations, and product development teams to align on product launches, promotions, and merchandising strategies.
- Oversee the sales budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve maximum return on investment.
- Ensure that all sales activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and retailer requirements.
- Oversee the training and development of the sales team to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Willingness to travel frequently to retail locations and industry events as necessary.

**EDUCATION & PREREQUISITES**
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in sales, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within consumer goods or food manufacturing industry.
- Proven track record of driving significant sales growth and developing successful retail partnerships.
- Strong organizational and strategic planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and market trends effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with sales management software.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA is preferred.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
- Bilingualism is an asset.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking

**Experience**:

- Sales: 10 years (required)
- Leadership within the Customer Goods or Food Manufacturing: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)

Willingness to travel:

- 100% (required)

Work Location: On the road