Distributions Manager Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Foodservice Sales Manager is responsible for building profitable sales in institutional and distribution-driven foodservice. This role focuses on penetrating indirect channels such as managed services (Aramark), group purchasing organizations "GPO" (Avendra, Foodbuy, etc.), education (K-12 and universities), healthcare, airline catering, hotels, broadline distributors (Sysco, US Foods, PFG, etc.) and assemblers.

This role requires a strategic hunter who can identify, establish, and grow partnerships through brokers, distributor programs and contract management companies. This individual will work cross-functionally with R&D, Customer Success, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, and Quality to deliver scalable "Taste Elevated" and custom solutions.

Maintain full compliance with Kagome contract management and business processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.

Provide responsive account management and customer service aligned with leadership expectations. Comply with the Food Safety and Quality Management System and SQF; report issues promptly; participate in 5S and MES.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Build Kagome's institutional and distribution channel strategy from the ground up.

Identify and secure new business across K-12, higher education, healthcare, airlines, hotels, and managed-service accounts.

Drive commercialization and sales of "Taste Elevated" off-the-shelf and custom solutions through co-packer and distributor networks.

Establish and manage brokerage partnerships to expand coverage within Sysco, US Foods, PFG, and regional distributors. Develop long-term partnerships with decision makers in procurement, culinary, and supply chain functions.

Negotiate contracts and pricing aligned with profitability goals.

Manage broker performance and joint business plans.

Maintain accurate pipeline, forecasts, and progress reporting in Salesforce.

Work closely with internal stakeholders to create and manage effective strategy and business plans. Develop and uphold successful business relationships with Kagome CI&I and all key functions within Kagome.

Represent Kagome at trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events to increase visibility.

Deliver growth through new account wins and channel expansion.

Surface product or process gaps that limit growth and drive fixes with leadership.

Provide market and customer insights to inform long-term channel strategy.

Collaborate cross-functionally to move items from concept to commercialization.

Possess a self-motivated and ongoing focus on education and training of company products, capabilities, procedures, and operations.

Promptly respond to requests and concerns of customers, management, and stakeholders. Assist accounts payable and receivable departments. Respond to internal and customer projects/requests in a timely and organized fashion.

Reports including monthly progress updates, prospecting activity, account prioritization and pipeline updates. Comprehensive Salesforce Tool utilization. Project management includes justifying and implementing product development and costing initiatives.

Provide prompt and concise responses to internal and external stakeholders regarding any Quality issues. Coordinate with the company Quality team.

Ensure adherence to Kagome's business processes and contract management policies, including proper documentation, approval workflows, and timely updates to pricing, terms, and customer agreements.

Meet KPIs agreed upon with CCO and CEO

POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Geography:

The ideal candidate will live in or have easy access to markets served.

Internal Contacts:

CCO, Sr Director of Sales, Sr. NAM, Sales Team, R&D, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Leadership, Accounting/Administration Departments, HR.

External Contacts:

Customers, Prospects, Brokers, Distributors, Managed Service Organizations, GPOs, and Industry Resources.

Education Level and Focus:

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field required. Food Science or Culinary background preferred.

Years and Type of Related Experience Required:

6-10 years minimum of successful B2B, B2C and B2B2C sales experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Uphold Kagome's Values:

Employee works well with others as a team and treats others with respect. Conducts self in a professional manner and exhibits the highest level of integrity. Maintains a positive attitude through good workingrelationships with our customers, visitors, and co-workers that emphasizes our commitment to good customer service.

Attendance:

Reliability and acceptable attendance are required. It is critical to be punctual and arrive on time for work and for meetings (if applicable).

Productivity:

Must consistently fulfill job responsibilities, knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. If authorized to work remotely, must maintain the same levels of productivity and communication as they would in the office.

Employee Retention:

Build a culture employees and/or co-workers want to be a part of. Be helpful to others and work as a team toward company goals.Participate in an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their roles by welcoming and assisting them. Build employee engagement, recognize, and reward employees, provide avenues for professional development, and manage to retain.

Interpersonal and Communication:

Strong verbal and written skills. Exhibits enthusiasm, self-motivation, and strong initiative, with the ability to be a team player. Concise and timely communications both internally and externally. Able to integrate written and verbal skills into the sales process. Strong presentation skills. Effectively promotes Kagome within the Industry. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers and the management team.

Technical and Analytical:

Ability to understand and analyze business. Ability to recommend and implement change for improvement and growth. Able to quantitatively and qualitatively qualify profitable business opportunities. Define and communicate market trends andcompetitive threats. Effectively utilize Salesforce and other systems of business management. Ability to prepare product and menu concepts for presentation to customers.

Administration and Operations:

Ability to respond to corporate directives with emphasis on company policy and direction.

Ability to plan work & travel to maximize results.

Physical Demands:

Travel up to 50% of the time by plane and car. Lifting, transporting, and working with supplies, products, and equipment.

Work Environment:

This position primarily operates remotely from a home-based office environment. The employee is expected to maintain a professional, quiet workspace with reliable internet connectivity suitable for virtual meetings, daily communications, and administrative tasks. Periodic visits to production facilities will be required; employees must comply with all safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and participating in mandatory safety training.

Special Equipment Used:

Presentation aids for shows, sales meetings, and sales calls. Computer, printer, projectors, phone. Kitchen equipment.