Wholesale Sales - Food Service Category Manager (Washington)

Feb. 22, 2012

Seattle, WA

Confidential

Well known local artisan smokehouse, SeaBear Company, producer and marketer of the Gerard & Dominique and SeaBear brands, has a great opportunity for a passionate foodservice professional with an entrepreneurial spirit to grow our food service category. We believe in setting goals, pursuing the innovation it will take to achieve those goals, and living by an individual and organizational philosophy of continuous improvement.

Overall, this is a high-impact role on a small (5 person) sales team. You will work directly with the VP Sales, Director of Production, and Chef Dominique himself to grow high-potential existing accounts and open new food service accounts nationally for the Company's Gerard & Dominique specialty seafood brand. This position is structured to be a high professional development opportunity upon which you will be learning / gaining experience in all aspects of the wholesale business, ultimately including the retail channel and marketing plan development.

Relocation is not required for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

Current Account Building - Work directly with our current distributions to build sales and develop long-term win-win relationships. Establish strong lines of communication with the distributor customer base to ensure we are thrilling and retaining these accounts.

New Account Development - Work with VP Sales to identify and present to key restaurant operators, hotels and specialty foodservice operations in our target market, and prospect and develop new distribution relationships.

Additional Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

- Exceed annual sales goals for the food service category.

- Develop, track and obtain account specific goals.

- Support distributors with training session, trade show exhibition and ride alongs. (Travel required).

- Assist with the development & maintenances of a marketing program to open communication to customer via distribution channels.

- Manage the G&D Chef's Challenge event.

- Regional show planning, budgeting, goal setting and manage follow up marketing program.

- Provide detailed and timely information to the Manufacturing and Sales Team.

- Assist with the conception and development of marketing tools to make this category growth successful.

- Recommend and implement growth strategies for the food service channel.

- Support wholesale sales team members as needed.

Performance Abilities & Skills:

- Highly motivated self-starter

- Creative problem solver

- Ability to work independently and think strategically with limited guidance.

- Strong track record of sales success in the foodservice industry

- Clear, effective, persuasive presentation skills in both formal and informal sales settings

- Proven ability to analyze data to identify opportunities and lapses, set priorities, and build plans

- Demonstrated effectiveness in working with trade partners and intercompany partners at all levels of the organizations.

- Passionate desire to meet sales targets and grow professionally

- Able to physically and safely perform the requirements of a professional sales and trade show role

Required Experience:

- Must have experience successfully working with distributors and key accounts showing consistent sales growth

- Individuals with existing relationships with hotels, high volume & upscale restaurants, and private golf & country clubs are preferred.

- Must have excellent work record referenced from current and/or previous employers

Education Requirements:

College Degree

Availability:

Consistent with the dynamic needs of a sales & trade show position. Travel consists of approximately 10-20% a month (local & national).

About The Company:

SeaBear Company consists of three unique Northwest bands: SeaBear, Gerard & Dominique Seafoods, and Made In Washington, which reach the consumer through our retail stores, direct to consumer web and catalog, and through upscale retailers and restaurants via the wholesale sales division. SeaBear Company is one of Washington State's leading gourmet food producers offering the very best specialty seafood since 1957. Today SeaBear and Gerard & Dominique Seafoods are recognized as premier brands in this niche, and are enjoying a strong track record of growth. SeaBear ships to customers in all 50 states direct from our authentic custom smokehouses in Anacortes and Woodinville, Washington as well as through premier retailers and restaurants such as Whole Foods, REI, the Fairmont Hotels, and Morton's Steakhouses. For more information please visit www.seabear.com, www.gdseafoods.com and www.madeinwashington.com.

Compensation

Salary + Bonus + Benefits.

To Apply:

Please submit resume and letter of interest. Letter of interest should highlight:

-sales history and track record of success

-what you feel it takes to be a effective in this role

-salary requirements

Subject line must state "Wholesale Sales Manager".

Hiring Organization: hr@seabear.com