[Hiring] Sr Director of Corporate Development @Ajinomoto Foods North America

Role Description

The Sysco Director of Corporate Development will spearhead strategic initiatives to drive growth and expansion across key corporate accounts including Sysco Foodservice. This role involves developing both short- and long-term strategies for these accounts and managing all aspects of relationship management. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in corporate account management, finance, and business development. This role is preferably based in Houston, although candidates in Dallas and Chicago will be considered.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain long-term partnerships with key stakeholders at assigned corporate accounts, focusing on trust, reliability, and loyalty.
• Business Reviews: Conduct business reviews at corporate and regional levels to assess performance, identify opportunities, and ensure effective execution at the field level.
• Team Communication: Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams and field sales to provide insights, align strategies, and support field execution.
• Category Management: Work with category managers to align on key initiatives, develop joint business plans, and optimize product portfolios.
• Innovation: Partner with corporate accounts on their innovation platforms to create opportunities and be a reliable innovation partner.
• Sales Data: Collaborate with internal partners to provide insights into sales forecasting using customer sales data platforms, supporting both short-term and long-term production and supply chain planning.
• Contract Management Accounts: Engage with key executives at all GPO accounts to promote AFNA products. This will include Sodexo, Aramark and Foodbuy.
• Account Support: Provide guidance and resources to the sales team to help them achieve specific corporate account objectives, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and fostering strong customer relationships.

Qualifications

• Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively increasing sales experience in the foodservice industry; corporate account management experience is a plus.
• Proven track record of leading successful strategic partnerships and driving business growth.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed business decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute methodically.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive growth and profitability.
• Monitor market trends and competitive activity to inform business decisions.
• Manage budgets and financial performance.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Maintain a strong network within the food service industry, including relationships with distributors, operators, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within the foodservice sector.
• Possess knowledge of foodservice product development, marketing, and distribution channels.
• Exhibit excellent negotiation and deal-closing skills.

Requirements

• Pay range - $160,000 to $190,000 w/ 35% bonus potential