Our client is an established Virginia based food manufacturer. They are hiring a Sales Manager to lead all sales, customer, and business development work. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will grow sales volume, protect margins, and keep customers satisfied through strong service and close teamwork with production, logistics, and quality. You will also manage the company's food brokers, track industry trends, and deliver sales forecasts and reports to senior leadership. This role fits someone who likes to set strategy and stay close to the accounts at the same time.What You Will DoBuild and run sales strategies that hit assigned sales and profit goals.Work with leadership and logistics to set annual sales plans, spot growth, and track results.Study customer, broker, and distributor data to find trends and new opportunities.Retain and grow current accounts through proactive account management.Win new business in industrial, private-label, and bulk markets.Direct food brokers so the company is well represented and new customers are developed.Own customer-level profit and loss by watching margins, pricing, and profitability.Serve as the main contact for customers by phone, email, and in-person meetings.Coordinate with Production, Logistics, Quality, and Accounting on order accuracy, shipping, quality, invoicing, and collections.Work with the food safety and quality team so customers get the right documents, such as certificates of analysis, product specifications, labeling, and allergen statements.Watch market conditions, competitor pricing, and industry trends to keep the company competitive.Deliver accurate monthly sales reports, forecasts, and performance metrics on time.Take part in trade shows, customer visits, and industry events.RequirementsEssential3 to 5 years of experience in food manufacturing or agricultural commodity sales.Proven record of hitting sales targets and managing business-to-business relationships.Working knowledge of food safety and documentation, such as HACCP, FSMA, certificates of analysis, and traceability.Excellent negotiation, communication, and customer service skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and an ERP system such as SAP.Willing and able to travel as needed for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events.PreferredBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.Peanut or nut industry experience.Experience working with food brokers or distributors in food manufacturing or the ingredient supply chain.Ability to analyze sales data, forecast trends, and build strategic growth plans.Strong interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving and conflict resolution, and the ability to work independently and stay organized.Benefits85,000 to 95,000 USD per year401(k)Medical, dental, and vision insuranceLife and AD&D insuranceSupplemental coverageAuto allowancePaid vacation, PTO, and paid holidaysKeller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes. To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-virginia-beach-chesapeake-and-arlington-virginia/ Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination PolicyEqual Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.Privacy and Pay Equity:California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy.Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.State-Specific Information:Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
Our client is an established Virginia based food manufacturer. They are hiring a Sales Manager to lead all sales, customer, and business development work. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will grow sales volume, protect margins, and keep customers satisfied through strong service and close teamwork with production, logistics, and quality. You will also manage the company's food brokers, track industry trends, and deliver sales forecasts and reports to senior leadership. This role fits someone who likes to set strategy and stay close to the accounts at the same time.
What You Will Do
- Build and run sales strategies that hit assigned sales and profit goals.
- Work with leadership and logistics to set annual sales plans, spot growth, and track results.
- Study customer, broker, and distributor data to find trends and new opportunities.
- Retain and grow current accounts through proactive account management.
- Win new business in industrial, private-label, and bulk markets.
- Direct food brokers so the company is well represented and new customers are developed.
- Own customer-level profit and loss by watching margins, pricing, and profitability.
- Serve as the main contact for customers by phone, email, and in-person meetings.
- Coordinate with Production, Logistics, Quality, and Accounting on order accuracy, shipping, quality, invoicing, and collections.
- Work with the food safety and quality team so customers get the right documents, such as certificates of analysis, product specifications, labeling, and allergen statements.
- Watch market conditions, competitor pricing, and industry trends to keep the company competitive.
- Deliver accurate monthly sales reports, forecasts, and performance metrics on time.
- Take part in trade shows, customer visits, and industry events.
Requirements
Essential
- 3 to 5 years of experience in food manufacturing or agricultural commodity sales.
- Proven record of hitting sales targets and managing business-to-business relationships.
- Working knowledge of food safety and documentation, such as HACCP, FSMA, certificates of analysis, and traceability.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and customer service skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and an ERP system such as SAP.
- Willing and able to travel as needed for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
- Peanut or nut industry experience.
- Experience working with food brokers or distributors in food manufacturing or the ingredient supply chain.
- Ability to analyze sales data, forecast trends, and build strategic growth plans.
- Strong interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving and conflict resolution, and the ability to work independently and stay organized.
Benefits
- 85,000 to 95,000 USD per year
- 401(k)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Supplemental coverage
- Auto allowance
- Paid vacation, PTO, and paid holidays
Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.
To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-virginia-beach-chesapeake-and-arlington-virginia/
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity:
- California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy.
- Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
- Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
- Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
- Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
- New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
