Director of Sales, Away From Home

MUSH is a people-first food company on a mission to fuel humanity with healthy food and positive energy. We believe that food's first job is to nourish us, and public health is a public good. If you aspire to make the world a little healthier and want to build a reputation of doing hard things well, MUSH may be a great place for you. 

We are seeking a high-performing, strategic professional to create our Portfolio & Sales Strategy and build the team necessary to accomplish our mission. 

Position Overview: 

The Director of Away from Home will build the strategy and champion the execution of MUSH’s AFH business unit. This role is responsible for driving significant growth, managing key customer relationships, and overseeing the end-to-end execution of AFH go-to-market strategies. The Director will also play an essential role in aligning cross-functional teams to drive innovation and operational excellence while creating sustainable, long-term relationships with 

distributors, operators, and customers in the AFH space. 

As a senior leader, you will work closely with the VP of Sales Strategy, COO, and executive team, influencing both strategic direction and tactical execution. This position requires a deep understanding of the AFH landscape, the ability to manage complex business relationships, and a demonstrated track record of scaling AFH businesses in competitive markets. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1.  Strategic Leadership & Business Development: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy for the Away from Home business that supports the company’s long-term vision and overall growth targets. 
• Lead expansion efforts into new market segments, regions, and verticals within the AFH channel (e.g., foodservice, hospitality, corporate dining, education, healthcare). 
• Drive the identification and pursuit of high-potential partnerships, distributor relationships, and key accounts to accelerate market penetration and revenue generation. 
• Collaborate with the executive team to align AFH strategy with broader company goals, ensuring both short-term wins and long-term sustainability. 

2.  Sales Leadership & Key Account Management: 

• Own and manage top-tier strategic accounts and high-value partnerships within the AFH space, developing a deep understanding of customer needs, pain points, and business drivers. 
• Lead and develop a high-performing sales team focused on driving business growth, expanding the customer base, and enhancing customer retention. 
• Set aggressive sales targets, monitor performance, and provide coaching and support to ensure team success. 
• Build and nurture relationships with senior-level decision-makers, ensuring successful negotiations and the creation of long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. 

3.  Cross-functional Collaboration & Execution: 

• Work closely with the Product Development, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure the successful delivery of product offerings tailored to the AFH market. 
• Oversee the development of go-to-market strategies, ensuring that products and services meet the specific needs of the AFH customer segments (e.g., portion control, packaging, sustainability). 
• Ensure seamless coordination across departments to deliver timely and cost-effective solutions, aligning business objectives with operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with marketing to drive impactful campaigns, product positioning, and brand messaging that resonate with AFH customers and consumers. 

4.  Innovation & Market Intelligence: 

• Drive a culture of innovation within the AFH business, leading the identification of emerging food trends and new business opportunities. 
• Leverage consumer insights, competitor analysis, and market research to provide actionable recommendations for product and service offerings. 
• Ensure that the company stays ahead of evolving customer preferences, sustainability trends, and technological advances within the AFH industry. 

5.  Financial Performance & Operational Excellence: 

• Manage the P&L for the AFH business unit, ensuring revenue growth, cost control, and operational efficiency. 
• Track and analyze key performance metrics, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure financial goals are met. 
• Drive improvements in operational processes to support scaling, including inventory management, logistics, and distribution channels. 

6.  Leadership & Talent Development: 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of AFH professionals, providing direction, guidance, and career development opportunities. 
• Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture where innovation, accountability, and agility are prioritized. 
• Partner with HR to recruit top talent and build a best-in-class team that can execute the AFH strategy with excellence. 

7.  Customer & Industry Relationships: 

• Build strong, long-lasting relationships with key customers, distributors, and industry influencers, positioning MUSH as a trusted partner and thought leader. 
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows, enhancing brand visibility and maintaining a pulse on industry trends and competitor activities. 

Qualifications: 

• 10 years of experience in the AFH or food manufacturing industries, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role focused on Away from Home (AFH) channels. 
• Proven track record of growing revenue, managing high-level customer accounts, and leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. 
• Deep knowledge of the foodservice industry, including food trends, customer dynamics, and supply chain complexities. 
• Expertise in negotiating and managing large-scale partnerships, distributor relationships, and multi-channel sales strategies. 
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a passion for mentoring teams and cultivating a high-performance culture. 
• Experience managing P&L responsibilities and driving business performance. 
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills. 
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data and market intelligence to drive strategic decisions. 
• Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment and execute complex strategies with attention to detail and operational excellence. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.