General Manager, Foodservice Sales (Hybrid) Kewpie Americas

Job Description

Job Description

The General Manager, Foodservice Sales at Kewpie Americas, is the top leader responsible for the overall strategy, performance, and Profit & Loss (P&L) of the U.S. Foodservice and Industrial business unit specializing in mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces. This role requires a unique blend of strategic financial acumen and deep product/culinary knowledge to drive aggressive market share growth by providing compelling menu solutions to key customers across the restaurant, catering, and food processing sectors.

 

The General Manager, Foodservice Sales, is responsible for leading the overall strategy and performance of the business unit, focusing on P&L management and market growth.

 

Hybrid position – requires on-site presence once per week for team check-ins; however, candidates must be available to work on-site as needed (up to full-time, depending on business needs).

 

Responsibilities

 

Business Strategy and P&L Management

• P&L Ownership: Full accountability for the business unit’s P&L, including budgeting, accurate sales forecasting, and managing operational costs to maximize profitability.
• Strategic Growth: Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy based on deep insights into foodservice and industrial trends, ensuring a sustained competitive advantage.
• Pricing Strategy: Oversee sophisticated pricing models and promotional strategies, factoring in volatile raw material costs (e.g., oils, eggs) to maintain margin integrity.

 

Sales Leadership and Customer Solutions

• Key Account Leadership: Serve as the executive sponsor for major Key Accounts (e.g., national restaurant chains, large food processors), fostering relationships that secure long-term contracts.
• Solution-Based Selling: Direct the sales team to move beyond transactional selling to a solution-oriented approach, focusing on how our sauces, dressings, and mayonnaises solve customer challenges in flavor, shelf-life, and cost.
• Channel Management: Strategically establish and manage relationships with major broadline distributors (Sysco, US Foods, PFG and other distributors) and brokers to ensure optimal product placement, inventory levels, and promotional support.

 

Cross-Functional and Product Development Integration

• R&D/Marketing Partnership: Act as the critical link between the market and R&D (Research & Development). Translate customer needs (e.g., flavor profiles, cleaner labels, plant-based alternatives) into a clear pipeline for new product development.
• Menu Innovation: Collaborate closely with the Marketing Team to develop and present innovative menu concepts to customers, showcasing product versatility and superior performance.
• Supply Chain Alignment: Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to optimize forecasting accuracy and ensure product availability and consistent quality delivery, particularly for high-volume, proprietary formulas.

 

Organizational Leadership and Compliance

• Talent Development: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing sales organization, instilling a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer-centricity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all sales, product specifications, and labeling practices adhere strictly to U.S. food safety regulations (FDA, USDA) and industry standards, particularly concerning allergens and nutritional claims specific to the category.

 

Qualifications

 

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive commercial experience in the Foodservice or CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing a complete P&L.
• Product Knowledge: Deep technical and commercial understanding of mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces, including ingredient functionality, production processes, and market flavor trends.
• Financial Acumen: Proven track record of managing a multi-million dollar P&L, strong skills in financial modeling, budgeting, and sophisticated pricing strategies.
• Leadership: Exceptional executive presence, negotiation skills, and the ability to influence C-suite level stakeholders both internally and externally.

 

Education

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field.
• MBA or related advanced degree preferred.

\nCompany Description

Over 60 years of fine food, products and service.
As a division of Kewpie Corporation, Japan's leading manufacturer of mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, marinades and related products, California-based Q&B Foods, Inc. is uniquely qualified to produce the highest quality and tastiest products in the US marketplace.

Our highly qualified management teams and representatives are dedicated to maintaining our exceptional reputation, which has made Q&B Foods one of the premiere suppliers to leading businesses around the world.

Company Description

Over 60 years of fine food, products and service.\r\nAs a division of Kewpie Corporation, Japan's leading manufacturer of mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, marinades and related products, California-based Q&B Foods, Inc. is uniquely qualified to produce the highest quality and tastiest products in the US marketplace.\r\n\r\nOur highly qualified management teams and representatives are dedicated to maintaining our exceptional reputation, which has made Q&B Foods one of the premiere suppliers to leading businesses around the world.