Director of Foodservice – Education, Healthcare

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and spearhead the go-to-market strategy for the Education & Healthcare sectors across the United States.

• Discover and capitalize on new business prospects within both contract-managed and self-operated K-12 institutions, colleges & universities, and healthcare systems.

• Create scalable playbooks aimed at driving segment growth across large enterprise accounts, mid-market regional customers, and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs).

• Collaborate closely with distribution field teams to execute channel priorities and foster growth.

• Lead joint business planning efforts to ensure alignment between segment strategy and field execution.

• Monitor performance metrics and continuously refine strategies based on results and insights.

• Manage relationships and growth strategies with Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and Large National Contract Managed (FSM) affiliates.

• Identify new partnership opportunities to expand Vita Coco’s presence and influence in both segments.

• Evaluate and leverage portfolio strengths and opportunities to create unique prospects tailored to all sub-segments of Education and Healthcare.

• Oversee the strategy and execution of the Campus Ambassador Program aimed at enhancing awareness, trial, and brand loyalty.

• Establish a scalable model that aligns with broader growth objectives within the Education channel.

• Work in partnership with both DSD and broadline distribution teams to ensure high service levels, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

• Identify opportunities for enhancing delivery, availability, and customer experience across both channels.

• Utilize all distribution partnerships to optimize the best market route solutions for customers.

• Lead a future team of National Account Managers to enhance new and existing business in education and healthcare channels, as well as with affiliate GPOs.

• Recruit, retain, mentor, and develop talent.

• Establish team goals and strategic account priorities.

⛳️ Requirements

• 10-15+ years of experience in Foodservice, CPG, or Beverage sales, with a strong emphasis on non-commercial channel expertise.

• 5+ years of demonstrated success in driving growth within Education and/or Healthcare segments.

• Experience collaborating with GPOs, large distributors – both DSD and broadline – and field sales teams.

• Strong strategic thinking capabilities combined with the ability to execute and produce results.

• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience managing or launching programs (e.g., ambassador programs, field initiatives) is advantageous.

• In-depth knowledge of various distribution networks and go-to-market strategies, including DSD, broadline, specialty, and chilled.

• Ability to influence internal and external cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment.

• An entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach and sense of ownership.

• 5+ years of experience leading teams focused on large national accounts.

🏝️ Benefits

• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be included as part of the compensation package, alongside a comprehensive range of medical, financial, and other benefits, contingent on the level and position offered.