Director of Industrial Sales

Lakeside Foods is seeking a Director, Industrial Sales to lead the strategy, growth, and execution of sales objectives for our canned and frozen Industrial customer base. Reporting to the Vice President of Foodservice & Industrial Sales, this role is responsible for driving volume, maximizing revenue, expanding the product portfolio, and strengthening customer relationships while maintaining a structured and strategic sales approach.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Affordable, market‑leading medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid vacation and personal time
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Executive‑level visibility and cross‑functional influence
• Long‑term growth opportunities with a stable, family‑owned company

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop, direct, and execute the Industrial Sales strategy aligned with corporate objectives
• Define and lead long‑term growth initiatives, including new markets, customer segments, and revenue streams
• Drive portfolio expansion, including new product development and entry into adjacent categories
• Lead new customer development, targeting high‑value industrial accounts and strategic partnerships
• Establish and maintain senior‑level relationships with existing and prospective customers

Sales Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee development of sales estimates and forecasts for industrial customers, including USDA and secondary markets
• Support preparation of the sales budget and ongoing forecast revisions
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to pricing, distribution, budgets, and sales policies
• Ensure prompt, accurate handling of customer orders and communications with a strong emphasis on responsiveness

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between Sales and Corporate partners including Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance, Distribution, R&D, and Human Resources
• Partner cross‑functionally to align innovation, pricing, and supply capabilities with growth priorities
• Coordinate with other sales‑related functions to ensure alignment and execution

Relationship Management & Team Leadership

• Establish and refine market positioning and competitive strategy using market insights and customer trends
• Lead and develop the Industrial Sales function, including oversight of team members
• Represent Lakeside Foods at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings as appropriate

What You’ll Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Technology, or related field
• 7–10 years of sales experience with strong knowledge of private‑label food sales
• Experience across industrial/ingredient sales, broker sales, USDA/government business, international sales, or secondary markets preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic sales plans
• Strong financial and forecasting acumen
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, brokers, and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities
• Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence at senior levels

Why Lakeside Foods

Founded in 1887, Lakeside Foods is a family‑owned company with a long history of quality, integrity, and growth. We invest in leadership talent and provide the opportunity to shape strategy, drive results, and make a lasting impact.