Director, Distribution

Summary

Join Olipop as their Director of Distribution and lead the advancement of strategic relationships with major broad-line distributors and key contract foodservice clients. This pivotal role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders like PFG, Sysco, and Compass, while collaborating with internal teams to optimize distribution solutions. You will be responsible for contract negotiations, exceeding customer expectations, and driving business growth. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 10+ years of experience in distribution and leadership, and proven success in building strong relationships with key industry players. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in distribution, supply chain management, and/or foodservice industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with large broad-liners (e.g., PFG, Sysco, US Foods) and contract foodservice customers (e.g., Compass, Sodexo, Aramark)
• Strong knowledge of foodservice distribution systems, logistics, and supply chain management
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and drive successful outcomes in a team-oriented environment
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable strategies
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience in mentoring and developing teams

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with large broad-line distributors (e.g., PFG, Vistar, Sysco, US Foods)
• Collaborate with distribution partners to optimize product reach, market penetration, and logistics efficiencies
• Collaborate with distribution partners on marketing efforts that build awareness of OLIPOP to their customers
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop tailored strategies that align with business goals, ensuring mutual growth and success with distribution partners
• Act as the primary liaison for key contract foodservice customers (Compass, Canteen, Sodexo, Aramark)
• Identify and understand the unique needs and challenges of each customer and collaborate on customized, mutually beneficial distribution solutions
• Lead contract negotiations and ensure availability of our products. Exceed customer expectations while maintaining cost-effectiveness
• Partner closely with the Foodservice and On-Premise team to ensure seamless coordination between distribution and customer needs
• Provide insights and recommendations to sales team based on distribution performance, trends, and customer feedback to optimize solutions
• Lead cross-departmental efforts to address operational challenges and implement innovative distribution strategies
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement
• Develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance the distribution network and drive revenue growth across target markets
• Create vision of success for Distributors and Key Foodservice providers
• Develop distribution strategy that aligns with our strategic priorities
• Lead, mentor, and develop the distribution team to enhance overall performance and support business objectives
• Foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes proactive problem-solving, creativity, and continuous improvement
• Regularly track and report on key distribution metrics, customer satisfaction, and sales performance to senior management
• Analyze distribution data to identify areas for improvement and implement actionable solutions
• Create and monitor monthly forecasts, working in partnership with the sales team to work towards a forecasting accuracy goal of 95%
• Create and communicate annual business plans for distributors and customers
• Conduct regular business reviews with distributors and customers

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or advanced degree