Director of Outside Sales

We Deliver the Goods:
Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more Growth opportunities performing essential work to support Americas food distribution system Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect.

Key Responsibilities Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute a results-driven outside sales strategy aligned with Northland Cheese revenue and margin targets
• Own and manage a portfolio of existing accounts while actively prospecting and closing new business across foodservice, retail, and specialty channels
• Identify market opportunities, competitive gaps, and product positioning strategies to expand Northland Cheese's footprint in target markets
• Establish and track key performance metrics including volume, revenue, margin, and customer acquisition rates reporting results to the General Manager on a defined cadence

Account Management & Customer Relationships

• Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with key accounts, buyers, distributors, and regional decision-makers
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts managing pricing negotiations, contract renewals, and product introductions
• Conduct regular business reviews with top accounts to assess performance, identify growth opportunities, and address service gaps
• Resolve customer issues with urgency and professionalism, coordinating cross-functionally with operations and procurement as needed

Market Development & Business Intelligence

• Monitor competitive landscape, pricing trends, and market conditions translating insights into actionable sales tactics
• Identify and develop new channel opportunities including foodservice operators, specialty retailers, co-packers, and private label prospects
• Collaborate with the General Manager and Procurement team to align product mix, pricing strategy, and inventory positioning with market demand
• Represent Northland Cheese at trade shows, industry events, and customer-facing activations to build brand presence and generate pipeline

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations and Production leadership to align sales commitments with capacity planning and fulfillment timelines
• Work with Finance to develop pricing models, margin analyses, and customer profitability assessments that support sound commercial decisions
• Collaborate with HR on sales compensation structure, performance frameworks, and workforce planning as the sales function scales
• Provide market feedback to the General Manager to inform product development, packaging decisions, and strategic planning

Reporting & Forecasting

• Maintain accurate CRM records including pipeline activity, account notes, and opportunity status ensuring full visibility for leadership
• Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales forecasts with supporting assumptions and risk factors
• Prepare and present sales performance reports, business reviews, and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and senior leadership

Compensation

$90,000-$120,000

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field; equivalent experience considered
5+ years of outside sales experience in food manufacturing, specialty food, dairy, or a related industry
Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets and growing customer accounts
Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Proficiency in CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to travel as required to support account management and business development activities

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in specialty cheese, dairy, or perishable food categories
Existing relationships within foodservice distribution, retail grocery, or private label channels
Familiarity with Performance Food Group or broadline distribution operations
Experience developing pricing models and conducting customer profitability analysis