Director of National Accounts

Lakeside Foods is seeking a Director, National Accounts – Foodservice to develop and execute the long‑term national account strategy across the Foodservice channel. Reporting to the Vice President of Foodservice Sales, this role drives profitable growth, expands customer and product portfolios, and ensures strong cross‑functional alignment to achieve corporate growth objectives. The Director serves as the executive contact for key national customers and provides strategic leadership to support sustainable competitiveness and value creation.

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 influence across Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Finance
• Long‑term growth opportunities with a stable, family‑owned company

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop, direct, and execute the Foodservice National Accounts strategy aligned with corporate objectives and long‑range plans
• Lead long‑term growth initiatives including new customer acquisition, channel expansion, and strategic partnerships
• Drive portfolio expansion through product commercialization, category growth, and value‑added solutions aligned to customer needs

Relationship Management & Customer Development

• Establish and maintain senior‑level relationships with executive and cross‑functional decision makers within key national accounts
• Lead national account acquisition efforts, including pursuit, development, and closure of high‑value national chain accounts
• Partner closely with Company leadership to implement and achieve sales objectives

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison across Sales, Operations, R&D, Marketing, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Drive alignment of innovation pipelines, pricing strategies, customer‑specific solutions, and supply capabilities
• Partner with Marketing, Culinary, and cross‑functional teams to support go‑to‑market execution for national accounts

Market Insight & Industry Engagement

• Maintain and share deep knowledge of competitive dynamics, customer segments, contracts, volume, and trade spend
• Represent Lakeside Foods at industry events and trade shows

Financial & Business Management

• Oversee development and execution of national account forecasts and long‑range growth plans
• Partner with Finance on sales budget development, forecast accuracy, and revenue optimization
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to pricing strategy, trade spend, customer profitability, and contract structures

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of company information
• Represent the company professionally and contribute to a profitable business
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred
• 7–10+ years of national or strategic Foodservice sales experience, ideally with national chains
• Demonstrated success in long‑term strategy development, portfolio management, and cross‑functional leadership
• Extensive relationships with key decision makers across the national account segment
• In‑depth knowledge of the U.S. Foodservice channel, including chain accounts, GPOs, distributors, re‑distributors, and buying groups
• Experience in both large and small organizations preferred, balancing entrepreneurial thinking with structured processes

Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities
• Financial acumen with experience evaluating pricing, profitability, and trade spend
• Ability to influence and lead across functions at senior levels
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability

Why Lakeside Foods

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