Lead Distribution Sales

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

📋 Description

• Formulate and implement strategic business plans across distributor partners, various locations, territories, and sales organizations.

• Cultivate relationships with distributor executives, sales leadership, purchasing teams, category managers, and field sales organizations.

• Facilitate business reviews, planning sessions, growth initiatives, and strategic account discussions.

• Guide and assist Distributor Sales Representatives and designated sales resources without having direct supervisory authority.

• Execute joint sales calls, planning sessions, training, and territory development activities.

• Aid in onboarding, capability enhancement, alignment, and sharing of best practices.

• Develop high-volume independent operators, regional accounts, chain opportunities, and key growth prospects.

• Engage senior-level decision-makers to secure distribution agreements, conversions, menu placements, and sustainable growth.

• Convert client objectives into distributor-specific strategies.

• Oversee launches, conversions, penetration initiatives, distribution gains, and business development efforts.

• Track inventory, stock risks, competitive activities, market conditions, and execution performance.

• Keep precise records in Salesforce, including account plans, opportunity pipelines, forecasts, and business reviews.

• Utilize Salesforce, Power BI, distributor reporting, and market intelligence to pinpoint opportunities and enhance execution.

• Lead distributor meetings, sales training, product introductions, sales rallies, client presentations, food shows, and industry events.

• Facilitate communication among distributors, operators, clients, CORE leadership, and field associates.

• Prioritize resources and opportunities in line with CORE’s Platinum Partner strategy.

• Coordinate field activities through influence, collaboration, and clear communication.

• Manage travel, expenses, Everlance, samples, sales materials, and company resources with responsibility.

• Resolve routine business challenges within established guidelines.

• Achieve or surpass assigned sales, revenue, case volume, distribution, conversion, penetration, and client objectives.

• Deliver measurable growth across distributor partners and key operator segments.

• Maintain accurate forecasts, business plans, CRM activities, and qualified opportunity pipelines.

• Influence, mentor, and support designated sales resources through field leadership, collaboration, and sharing of best practices.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the foodservice industry, including sales, distribution, hospitality, restaurant operations, or account management.

• A minimum of five years of successful experience in foodservice sales, distributor management, account management, or business development is preferred.

• Proven success in managing distributor relationships, influencing sales execution, and achieving measurable growth.

• Advanced knowledge of foodservice distribution, operator segments, buying groups, GPOs, contract-managed businesses, and client sales strategies.

• Proficient in influencing, coaching, aligning, and communicating effectively without direct authority.

• Strong skills in leadership, facilitation, presentation, relationship building, business planning, forecasting, and analysis.

• Expertise in using Salesforce, Power BI, Microsoft Office, Teams, CRM systems, and reporting tools.

• Exceptional organizational, responsive, follow-through, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Valid driver’s license and driving record that complies with company standards.

• Willingness to travel overnight as required by business needs.

• Timely use of Everlance for mileage and expenses.

• Ability to drive extensively within the assigned territory, covering up to 250 miles per day.

• Capability to stand and remain active for prolonged periods, up to four-hour increments, and sustain physical activity during 8–10+ hour field or food-show days.

• Proficiency in walking moderate distances and navigating through restaurants, kitchens, storage areas, loading zones, stairs, and uneven surfaces.

• Ability to lift, carry, transport, set up, and dismantle product samples, equipment, booths, and sales materials, typically weighing up to 30–40 pounds.

• Capability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and maneuver in confined or active environments.

• Ability to use hands and arms for handling products, preparing samples, operating tools or equipment, driving, and presenting.

• Comfort working in foodservice environments with exposure to heat, cold, wet or slippery floors, and confined or high-traffic spaces.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.

• Reasonable accommodations provided for applicants with disabilities.

• Remote work arrangement available.

• Access to company resources and support for professional development through onboarding, capability development, training, and sharing of best practices.