National Account Manager Food Service Food Ingredient

Primary Purpose: We are seeking a results-driven National Account Sales Manager to lead strategic growth across national foodservice chains and ingredient customers. This role will focus on building and managing high-impact relationships with key accounts that value quality, innovation, and partnership. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined, insights-driven approach to selling, with a passion for premium food solutions and a deep understanding of the food service and ingredient landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Own and grow a portfolio of national foodservice and ingredient accounts
• Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with customer goals and company objectives
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and promotional planning
• Serve as a trusted advisor and value-added solution provider across the customer's supply chain
• Facilitate innovation sessions and product ideation in collaboration with culinary and R&D teams
• Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, Operations, Finance) to ensure seamless execution and alignment
• Leverage internal resources to support customer needs and drive process improvements
• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer insights to inform strategy
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the development of the sales pipeline
• Product focus on expanding and growing product lines with branded products and imported products
• Create and maintain actionable database for customer contact/sand opportunity history and selling activities (Salesforce.com/Lightning)
• Coordinate and manage trade show participation as necessary

Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

• BS/BA required in a relevant field such as marketing or business administration.
• Cheese/Dairy experience or related commodities
• 5+ years sales experience in the cheese/dairy or food industry; food service and ingredient experience a plus
• Proven track record to grow business and an ability to handle financial dealings with large customer accounts
• Deep understanding of foodservice distribution, menu development, and supply chain dynamics
• Passion for premium food products and culinary innovation
• Comfortable in fast paced entrepreneurial environment
• Highly curious/motivated for learning
• Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills
• Knowledge of how to develop client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions
• Understanding of how to position products against competitors

Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment:

Typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks.  Typically climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year-round.  Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient lamination. Traveling to restaurant and food manufacturing sites, which will have a variety of work environments.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time salaried position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: Occasional walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 20 pounds, such as files, documents, or office supplies.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access files and office supplies.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $115,000-$150,000, with a 20% annual bonus potential.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc.  Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with unsolicited resumes.

Schuman Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer