Our firm has been retained by an organic food manufacturer to recruit their Vice President of Sales.  Headquartered in North Carolina, and backed by a private equity firm, our client is a full-service, turn-key provider of private brand organic products.  Primary product lines are organic pourable or spoonable dressings (fresh and shelf-stable), sauces, condiments, and marinades. With long-term relationships with some of the top name brands and certified to produce organic products, our client is poised for continued significant growth.

Reporting to the Company’s CEO, the VP of Sales will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to all aspects of sales. The VP will be joining an accomplished senior management team with significant food manufacturing experience.

Key qualifications include:
•   a minimum of 10 years of proven success in sales/sales management experience in a private label food manufacturer, ideally in sauces, dressings or liquids; will possess a solid Rolodex with experience selling to retail distributors, specialty, natural and conventional grocery, and alternative channels;

•   a hands-on, lead-by-example leader; has the bent for taking responsibility, moving ahead and encouraging others; must have the self-confidence, the integrity, the intellect, and the perseverance that inspires trust and confidence;

•   the ability to take “ownership” of the sales responsibility; takes great pride in success and has a sense of urgency to accomplish goals;

•   excellent communications and interpersonal skills; a culture and team builder who will be effective in building strong partnerships and credibility at all levels of the company, as well as with customers, strategic partners, and investors;

•   strong organizational/administrative skills; will be a hands-on manager, someone who is not afraid to get into the detail; a person who enjoys a small company atmosphere; will have a spirit of pitching in to get the job done; and be comfortable in an environment with lean staffing;

•   BS or BA degree required, an MBA is desirable.

An attractive compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and an equity participation, will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements.

If you have a personal interest in this position or thoughts of knowledgeable sources or potential candidates, please email resume2@sockwell.com .  Your recommendations and/or interest will be kept in strictest confidence.