NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Foodservice & Specialty Food

About Us: Nestled in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont, Butternut Mountain Farm is a company quietly shaping the landscape of agriculture and food distribution. As one of the largest maple syrup companies in the world, Butternut Mountain Farm works closely with maple sugarmakers to aggregate production to supply markets too large for a single producer. Customers include leading national retailers across all channels and food manufacturers from emerging brands to fortune 500 CPGs. Extraordinary customer service, quality products, and a genuine commitment to the industry underpin Butternut Mountain Farm’s 50 years of connecting maple from tree to table.

Job Summary: The National Sales Manager manages strategy development, execution and nurturing key relationships across the foodservice channel and a portfolio of top-tier specialty customers. As the owner of these channels, you will carry equal responsibility for account management of existing customers and new business development to grow the channel. This is a high-ownership role with real room to grow — built for a hungry, mid-career sales professional ready to rack up wins and take on new challenges. The ideal candidate enjoys operating within a sales team that is motivated to win together, challenging the status quo, and growing demand for pure maple products. 

Location Options: On-site (Morrisville, VT), Hybrid (within 3-hour driving distance), Remote (NC, PA, TX) 

Requirements

Role Impact: ?With successful integration of this role, Butternut Mountain Farm can expect to: 

• Drive profitable sales growth. 
• Maintain and strengthen current long-term customer relationships. 
• Strategically expand into new foodservice and specialty customers. 
• Gain a team player that supports sales and internal teams through their unique strengths and passions. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Manage a portfolio of foodservice distributors, operators, specialty customers, and brokers that could include a combination of broadline distribution, specialty and gift channels, and independent operators. 
• Research, identify, and qualify new business opportunities within the foodservice and specialty channels and align with sales team growth strategy. Define annual strategy for customer set, including portfolio changes, promotional strategy, customer visits, and price changes. 
• Analyze pricing and profitability for designated channels and follow company guidelines to set new prices or execute annual price changes. 
• Prepare and maintain sales forecasts, annual budget, and customer pipeline in CRM. 
• Collaborate with Marketing and Product Development teams to launch new private label products or inform new branded item development. 
• Leverage CRM, sales technology, and data tools to prioritize opportunities, streamline routine work, and win business efficiently. 

Desired Traits:  

• Competitive to win business, but collaborative and team-oriented in sales approach. 
• Thoughtful and strategic, with big-picture insights and logical thinking. 
• Connection and passion for Vermont; knowledge of the maple industry is a bonus. 
• Curious and eager to learn; entrepreneurial mindset with vision and initiative. 
• Focus on providing exceptional service to our customers and partners. 
• Excellent at listening and asking probing questions. 
• Highly organized and disciplined, able to manage multiple accounts and priorities without losing the details. 
• Analytically minded; comfortable turning data into pricing, assortment, and targeting decisions. 
• Ready and eager to use technology and sales tools to work efficiently and win more business. 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field. 
• 5-10 years’ experience in CPG sales role such as National Sales Manager or Key Account Manager, ideally within foodservice, distribution, or specialty channels. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. 
• Ability to interpret market data and market trends to make informed decisions. 
• Proficiency in CRM software, data and analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, with enthusiasm for adopting new technology to sell more efficiently. 
• Financial acumen, as it applies to revenue growth, pricing, and profitability decisions. 
• Willingness to travel as needed for customer visits and/or trade shows (10-15%) 

Benefits:  

• Competitive salary, and benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, holidays and paid time off. 
• 401K Retirement Plan with company contribution. 
• Clear paths for professional development and career advancement — with the autonomy to own a channel and grow alongside the business. 
• Product discounts and free breakfast for on-site staff. 

How to Apply: If you’re energized by problem-solving, winning the sale, and ready to grow your career within a close-knit, family-owned organization, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. We look forward to reviewing your application and getting to know you better.

Salary Description

95,000 - 120,000