Territory Sales Manager (East)

Welcome to Daiya Foods, where we are the creators of a revolutionary cheese alternative that tastes, shreds, melts and stretches like traditional cheese. Today, as plant-based food grows in popularity, that spirit of innovation continues to inspire our team. Our diverse portfolio of great tasting foods invites everyone to the table.  

Our dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends across our operations. We operate in a manufacturing facility and office that is LEED certified, embodying our commitment to sustainability through the leadership in energy and environmental design principles.  

Join our team of food-loving Daiyans, where our shared passion, vision, and ability to bring smiles to each other's faces fuel our journey of plant-based exploration.

Your Future Job  

​​As a Territory Sales Manager (TSM), you will be responsible for managing broadline distribution within the territory at the district and street level with an emphasis on Non-Commercial sales. You will also be responsible for overseeing the sales efforts of the broker offices within the territory and expanding our presence with key distributors, end users and regional chain accounts in the Eastern US to achieve sales goals while reporting to the Regional Manager in the East.  

What You Will Do 

Regional Distributor & Sales Management: 

• Manage and develop regional distributors to support overall Foodservice sales goals. 
• Implement pricing strategies, introduce new items, and work with emerging chain account partners across the distribution network. 
• Negotiate marketing programs and develop sales in collaboration with the Daiya FS team. 

 Regional and Local Chain Account Sales: 

• Secure, develop, and grow business with existing partners, including negotiating and managing marketing programs. 
• Implement pricing and promotional strategies for new and existing chain accounts. 

  Non-Commercial Penetration: 

• Enforce Daiya product specifications with key Non-Commercial operators (e.g., ARAMARK, Avendra). 
• Actively plan coverage and execution for operators in key Non-Commercial segments (e.g., C&U, Schools, B&I, Healthcare). 

 Broker Management: 

• Oversee sales planning and execution with key broker offices, identifying sales targets and driving execution. 
• Train brokers on existing and new Daiya products; collaborate with brokers on targeted accounts. 

 Foodservice Shows & Conferences: 

• Strategically plan and execute all foodservice shows, working with the RSM East and the food show coordinator for national and regional events. 
• Attend major food shows, such as Pizza Expo, NRA, ANC, and NACUF's Nationals. 
• Forecast and manage yearly trade show budgets and total Food Service spend. 

 Sales Forecasting & KPI Achievement: 

• Forecast annual sales based on trends and company objectives. 
• Translate sales plans into activities per customer/account, regularly monitoring and adapting activities to meet objectives. 
• Pursue sales leads with a 50% or higher closing rate. 
• Achieve or exceed KPIs each quarter. 

 Training & Consultancy: 

• Conduct appropriate training and consultancy to support sales efforts. 
• Provide focused sales efforts to assist the Foodservice team in meeting volume and net margin goals. 

 Account Targeting & Menu Placement: 

• Target large end-customer accounts or specific market segments for acquisition. 
• Secure branded menu placement at all chain accounts. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• 3-5 years of experience in foodservice regional management and distributor sales, or a similar combination of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of foodservice supply chain and distribution.
• Proven experience in developing relationships and sales with foodservice operators, particularly in non-commercial accounts.
• Experience with food show attendance, setup, and execution.
• Experience successfully selling niche or specialty products into the foodservice sector preferred.
• Familiar with back-of-house procedures and cooking methods/techniques; comfortable working with culinary personnel.
• Passion for wholesome, plant-based, natural, or alternative foods preferred 

RELATED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

• Must be located in one of the major markets in the East
• Broker management experience is preferred
• Experience calling on distributors within the territory
• Must have a clean driving record and a vehicle
• Willing to travel up to 60%-70% of the time
• Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• Must be a team player and also able to work autonomously
• Highly self-motivated and results-driven
• Comfortable cooking and presenting in front of chefs and food service personnel
• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel)
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proven track record of sales success
• Ability to thrive and grow sales in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Emotional Intelligence – You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
• Growth Mindset – You find opportunities and possibilities when challenged, embrace continuous learning, and constantly strive to grow and improve.
• Effective Communication – You effectively listen, assess, and adjust your communication to align your intention and impact.
• Collaboration – You work with and through others to create great results for Daiya.
• Driving Results – You take the initiative to find solutions, deliver results, maintain focus, and drive accountability.
• Service Excellence – You understand and serve the needs of others (Daiyans, consumers, and our communities) 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS 

Daiya's compensation offerings are based on a pay-for-performance philosophy. The pay range for this position is from $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. Permanent team members may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.   

 At Daiya, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe in building a flexible, hybrid model to make work-life harmony a reality. We strive to build diverse and high performing teams and empower continuous learning to grow and improve ourselves. 

• Competitive compensation 
• Extended health benefits
• 3 weeks' vacation 
• Flex days 
• Retirement savings matching program  
• Flexible spending account