Sales Manager, Food service

IRCA is a prominent international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and gelato markets. They cater to independent producers as well as large food manufacturers, including consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. The company's core product offerings consist of chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and various other bakery and pastry ingredients.Headquartered in Italy, IRCA was acquired by Advent International, a global private equity firm, in July 2022. The company has demonstrated a strong history of growth over the past decade. As part of its growth strategy, IRCA made two bolt-on acquisitions in 2022. They acquired Cesarin, a provider of candied fruits, and Anastasi, a supplier of pistachio ingredients. These acquisitions expanded IRCA's product portfolio and market reach.
More recently, IRCA acquired the leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target company focuses on high-value specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment. Their product range includes sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates, and fruit purées. This deal, successfully completed in March of 2023, is a transformative move for IRCA, establishing them as a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry.
With this acquisition, IRCA has a combined revenue of €1 billion in 2023 and a presence in 22 manufacturing facilities across Europe, the US, and Vietnam. This expanded manufacturing footprint and diversified product portfolio positions IRCA as a key player in the market, serving a wide range of customers in the bakery, pastry, and gelato sectors, as well as food manufacturers.
Sales Manager, Food service Irca Group is seeking an experienced, dedicated and responsible Sales Manager to focus on our south eastern market. The Position will focus selling food related products to the Multi-Unit/Chain Account segment. The goal is to help grow, support and continue to develop the Irca Group products within the Chain Restaurant customer base focusing on the Southeastern USA. The position allows for remote work with travel, candidate can be based in the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Primary job function is to manage an assigned sales territory with day-to-day account growth and relationship management for existing customers
• Build relationships with Multi Unit/Chain Accounts, specifically focused on R&D, Culinary and Procurement
• Create selling opportunities by understanding pain points of customers, and how our products can help.
• Work with our Marketing and Innovation teams to develop opportunities for engagement with clients, ensuring budgets and targets are met
• Oversee, develop, and execute sales of our full product line in territory
• Dedicated time in the field working with & training distributor reps, end users & manufacturing customers as needed
• Negotiate and implement sales and marketing programs with customers
• Participate in regularly scheduled innovation and brainstorming sessions
• Utilize CRM system to keep accurate records of potential customers & track follow up on all potential new leads and manage pipeline
• Continuous planning and forecasting of inventory movement
• Account analysis and management of territory expenses
• Regular reporting on sales activities and opportunities to Director of Sales
• Support and encourage a positive team approach with fellow sales reps and internal support staff

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5+ years sales experience in Multi Unit Channel. Must have ability to make sales calls.
• Experience with chocolate or bakery ingredient sales.
• Possess the ability to lead customer sales meetings, creatively solve problems, and forecast inventory needs
• Keep up to date with current industry trends and maintain awareness of new products and ideas
• Ability to work flexible schedule with large amount of travel, if necessary
• Demonstrate an assertive attitude with a positive approach and outlook
• Strong communication skills are essential, including both verbal and written capabilities, with an emphasis in strong presentation ability
• Strategic thinking skills with ability to organize, prioritize and handle multiple tasks are needed
• Exhibit sound interpersonal skills in all interactions with customers, staff and company management
• Should be independent with a balanced team spirit
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Home office based

Irca Group offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:Medical, Dental, & Vision, 401(k) matching, Paid Vacation, and Holidays, Employee Education Tuition Reimbursement Program