Sales Manager
Kent, WA
JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with a leading producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and prepared foods in search of a Sales Manager to join its team. The Sales Manager is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth through strategic oversight of the Business Development team, which includes Sales, Marketing, Client Services, and R&D. This individual will lead national account growth, develop new business opportunities, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with customer needs and company capabilities. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, a solutions-oriented mindset, and deep experience in customer-facing roles within the food industry. This is a hands-on role for a growth-driven leader with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and delivering results.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Business Development function (Sales, Marketing, Client Services, and R&D).
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans to meet revenue and profitability goals.
- Track and report on sales performance, pipeline activity, client mix, and product development initiatives.
- Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities to drive national growth.
- Cultivate and expand customer relationships by offering tailored solutions and category insights.
- Collaborate with R&D and Commercialization teams on innovation and recipe development aligned to customer strategy.
- Deliver effective sales presentations and customer proposals; represent the organization with professionalism.
- Ensure outstanding customer service and retention through proactive relationship management.
- Monitor product mix for profitability, production efficiency, and strategic fit.
- Partner with internal stakeholders across departments to streamline operations and enhance go-to-market effectiveness.
- Compose business development collateral and presentations to support brand presence and commercial success.
- Manage and mentor direct reports across the Sales and R&D teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and performance.
Requirements
- 5-8 years of direct client sales, business development, or account management experience, preferably in the food industry.
- Prior experience managing cross-functional teams in a customer-facing role.
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and achieving sales targets.
- Strong planning, organizational, and strategic thinking skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data analysis for pricing and profitability models.
- Experience with fresh-cut, deli, MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), and packaging preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field strongly preferred.
Salary Range
JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.