Director of Industrial Sales

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.Lakeside Foods is seeking a Director, Industrial Sales to lead the strategy, growth, and execution of sales objectives for our canned and frozen Industrial customer base. Reporting to the Vice President of Foodservice & Industrial Sales, this role is responsible for driving volume, maximizing revenue, expanding the product portfolio, and strengthening customer relationships while maintaining a structured and strategic sales approach.What You’ll GetCompetitive compensation based on experienceAffordable, market‑leading medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement plan with company matchPaid vacation and personal timePaid professional development opportunitiesExecutive‑level visibility and cross‑functional influenceLong‑term growth opportunities with a stable, family‑owned companyWhat You’ll DoStrategic Leadership & GrowthDevelop, direct, and execute the Industrial Sales strategy aligned with corporate objectivesDefine and lead long‑term growth initiatives, including new markets, customer segments, and revenue streamsDrive portfolio expansion, including new product development and entry into adjacent categoriesLead new customer development, targeting high‑value industrial accounts and strategic partnershipsEstablish and maintain senior‑level relationships with existing and prospective customersSales Operations & Financial ManagementOversee development of sales estimates and forecasts for industrial customers, including USDA and secondary marketsSupport preparation of the sales budget and ongoing forecast revisionsEvaluate and recommend improvements to pricing, distribution, budgets, and sales policiesEnsure prompt, accurate handling of customer orders and communications with a strong emphasis on responsivenessCross‑Functional CollaborationServe as a liaison between Sales and Corporate partners including Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance, Distribution, R&D, and Human ResourcesPartner cross‑functionally to align innovation, pricing, and supply capabilities with growth prioritiesCoordinate with other sales‑related functions to ensure alignment and executionRelationship Management & Team LeadershipEstablish and refine market positioning and competitive strategy using market insights and customer trendsLead and develop the Industrial Sales function, including oversight of team membersRepresent Lakeside Foods at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings as appropriateWhat You’ll BringEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Technology, or related field7–10 years of sales experience with strong knowledge of private‑label food salesExperience across industrial/ingredient sales, broker sales, USDA/government business, international sales, or secondary markets preferredSkills & AbilitiesProven ability to develop and execute strategic sales plansStrong financial and forecasting acumenAbility to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, brokers, and internal stakeholdersDemonstrated leadership and team development capabilitiesStrong communication, negotiation, and analytical skillsAbility to collaborate effectively across functions and influence at senior levelsWhy Lakeside FoodsFounded in 1887, Lakeside Foods is a family‑owned company with a long history of quality, integrity, and growth. We invest in leadership talent and provide the opportunity to shape strategy, drive results, and make a lasting impact.Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities