The Director of East Coast Food Service Non-Commercial sales at G Kitchen leads G Kitchens sales efforts identifying/developing new operator partnerships with a focus on Colleges & Universities. This role requires a creative and strategic thinker with a passion for foodservice sales while demonstrating a keen understanding of C&U culinary trends.

Responsibilities

● Non-Commercial C&U Relationship Management & Distributor Contacts: Leverage your existing relationships, and build and maintain new relationships with campus Dining Directors, Executive Chefs, and distributor contacts.

● Distribution Expansion & New Market Opportunities: Identify opportunities to expand product distribution across accounts and develop new market opportunities, including new brands to represent.

● Industry Monitoring: Keep track of portfolio competitors' activities like new items, pricing and other shifts in the category.

● Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement: Address challenges raised by operators or supply partners. Work with the team to continuously improve effectiveness, productivity, and service

● Utilize a sales data analytics approach focused on adding value to the sales process

● Partner with Culinary Sales Support to develop innovative ways to improve culinary showcases (food quality & presentation)

● Perform campus visits to observe & document operator execution & product placement

● Identify new sales opportunities (via distributor partnerships etc.)

● Partner with G Kitchen Operations team to complete the sales life-cycle

● Build strong relationships with suppliers & operators

● Be on the look out for sales opportunities within other Non-Commercial segments (Hospitality, Distribution, etc.)

● Attend industry workshops, tradeshows with a focus on developing relationships, identifying new supply partners and selling the G Kitchen family of supply partners products

● Manage & book travel arrangements

Qualifications

● 5-7 years of experience with a strong understanding of the Non-Commercial, College & University, landscape in the food and beverage industry

● Proven experience required as a Key Account Manager, including strong relationships at medium (10k-15k student) and large ( 20k Student) private and public universities on the East Coast (Maine to Florida)

● Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field preferred

● Strong understanding of distributor management

● Exceptional communication, negotiation, and organizational skills

● Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and digital marketing platforms

● Proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of strategic thinking

● Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships at all levels

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team

● Willingness to travel as required (up to 40 %)

● Culinary knowledge experience and/or passion for food is a plus