Atlantic Sea Farms (ASF) is a first mover with a robust social and environmental mission and ambitious growth goals. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Director of Food Service Sales to build out and successfully grow sales in the food service segment. This role is ideal for a sales leader excited to shape the future of sustainable food by bringing innovative, ocean-friendly seaweed products to a wider audience.
ASF is working to grow our existing food service business as a key strategic priority to drive revenue and amplify our mission. Based mostly around independent restaurants, we have distribution networks through many major distributors and have had success in high-profile LTOs with fast-casual chains. With new, mainstream SKUs purpose created for scaling our food service efforts, we aim to significantly scale this sales channel.
A successful candidate will be responsible for building a strong distribution network and developing and executing a sales strategy that rapidly increases brand presence within the food service sector including to restaurant groups, fast casual and poke chains, grab-and-go concepts, and sushi outlets. This position will require a candidate who has strong tactical and strategic experience in marketing and sales in high-growth food businesses, excellent problem-solving skills, is creative and adaptable, optimistic and dedicated, and is an effective team builder. This is a full-time position reporting to the CEO and will have support from the in-house marketing staff, our operations team, and our retail and ingredient sales team members as required to meet team revenue goals.
Qualifications:
10+ years of relevant experience in the food and beverage industry
Deep knowledge of the food service distribution ecosystem, with established connections to buyers and decision-makers in the industry
Proven success in selling into sushi, seafood, and/or fast-casual dining is preferred (10M+ revenue)
Expertise in setting up new distribution channels
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate teams to achieve ambitious sales targets
Ability to travel 50% or more of the time for client meetings, trade shows, and industry events
Passion for sustainability and a commitment to advancing Atlantic Sea Farms’ mission of improving ocean and coastal community resilience through regenerative seaweed farming
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the Food Service Sales efforts to meet and exceed revenue targets by expanding market share for our innovative, domestic seaweed products including our first-to-market Seaweed Salad (new) and our Ready-Cut Kelp
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, distributors, and food service partners
Set and implement strategies that increase market share and substantially accelerate revenue growth in different segments (e.g. fast-casual dining, grab-and-go, sushi, etc)
Effectively work across the vertically integrated team to ensure growth goals are in line with capacity and supply and meet overall company objectives
Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and adapt to shifts in customer demands.
Provide exceptional customer service, addressing client needs and driving long-term partnerships
Oversee and direct team and broker partners across a diverse market that includes fast-casual and restaurant groups as well as grab-and-go, poke, and sushi segments.
Develop and manage budgets relating to growth goals and deploy funds efficiently and effectively in a start-up environment
Other duties as required
Attributes:
Excellent communication and leadership skills that compel and motivate innovative, dedicated, and high performing teams
Strong data and analytical skills and an ability to turn data into action to effectively grow revenue
Ambitious and relentless focus on meeting and exceeding goals in order to amplify our positive impact
Proven problem-solving skills with a self-starting mindset
Highly analytical approach in building revenue streams
An ability and excitement to both think strategically and roll up your sleeves and tactically implement effective strategies and campaigns
Works collaboratively with company departments to execute on the strategic goals set by the organization
An ability to build and maintain budgets and create strategies that align with the realities of a start-up
Outgoing, positive, energetic attitude
Willingness to work in a constantly changing startup environment
Patience, a sense of humor, and a sense of humility and optimism
Compensation:
This position will be paid an attractive base salary in addition to a compelling, performance-based bonus, have access to the company’s health benefits package, paid vacation and is eligible for participation in the company’s stock options plan..
