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Director of Sales - West

Kettle & Fire is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Sales to execute our sales strategy for the West Region in both Grocery and Natural channels.  This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast-growing, disruptive company committed to providing nutrient-dense food, supporting ecosystem-benefiting initiatives, and developing innovative products.

The Sales Director will contribute to Kettle & Fire’s goal to become the leading broth brand by implementing our national strategy directly and via external partners at accounts ranging from single independents to national chains.  Additionally, the Sales Director will work collaboratively across the organization to align sales strategies with finance, marketing, operations, and product development teams, ensuring seamless execution of business objectives, maximizing market opportunities, and driving sustainable growth.  This is a full-time remote role, reporting to the VP of Sales with some travel expected (approximately 25%). 

Who We Are:

At Kettle & Fire, we are driven by a mission to create products that heal rather than harm, supporting both our consumers’ health and a healthy food system. Our culture is built on a foundation of core values that guide our work and define our team's identity. We push the boundaries of what's possible, embracing challenges with a growth mindset. We value radical candor and transparency, prioritize our customers relentlessly, and own our responsibilities unequivocally. We focus intently on mission-critical tasks and execute with high-tempo precision. Our team’s success is predicated on each member’s commitment to collective goals, demanding not only individual excellence but a harmonious effort to excel as one cohesive unit. If you thrive in an environment that values high performance and flexible, results-oriented outcomes, you might just be the A-player we’re looking for.

How You’ll Be Contributing: 

  • Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve and exceed revenue targets, leveraging data-driven insights and market trends to identify growth opportunities and optimize performance.
  • Foster and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key buyers and broker partners, ensuring alignment on business objectives, effective communication, and long-term partnership success.
  • Manage brokers and distributors to ensure uninterrupted distribution in targeted accounts, timely execution of new item introductions, schematic implementation, and promotional programming. Ensure partners have necessary resources (e.g., product samples, sell sheets, promotional calendars).
  • Build strategic and collaborative annual trade promotion calendars designed to drive trial and increase awareness while maintaining target trade spend rates for assigned retail customers.
  • Determine proper assortment by account & channel and sell existing items and or innovation to achieve an appropriate SKU mix.
  • Work at both the HQ level and in-store to maximize space, brand presence, and holding capacity in soup/broth planograms.
  • Prepare business reviews and sales presentations for major retailers.
  • Collaborate with marketing to develop and update sales collateral.
  • Analyze market data to identify and execute against opportunities to grow Kettle & Fire across strategic channels.
  • Represent Kettle & Fire at trade shows to develop sales opportunities and build strong buyer/broker relationships.
  • Provide strategic direction, guidance, and support to brokerage teams aligning with Kettle & Fire trade spend guardrails and annual goals.
  • Conduct store audits (with broker management and/or field sales reps) to ensure adherence to merchandising standards and promotional programming.
  • Implement, train, and audit brokerage teams and distributor territory reps to execute sell-in and sell-through initiatives.

Qualifications and Competencies for Success:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of demonstrated expertise in Grocery and Natural Channels, including prominent retailers such as Albertsons Safeway, H-E-B, Natural Grocers, Infra, NCG, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Hy-Vee, PCC, Gelson’s, Raley’s and regional natural & specialty chains.
  • Record of success managing key retail accounts and collaborating with brokers and distributors like KeHE, UNFI, DPI.
  • Strong planning, organizational, and analytical abilities, proficient in Data Tools (experience with SPINS, Nielsen, Retailer Portals advantageous), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Proficiency in trade analytics, including analyzing selling prices, margins, and market trends.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation abilities.
  • Proven capability to thrive in both independent and collaborative settings within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Highly adaptable and resourceful with a proactive approach.

What We Offer:

The opportunity to be part of a mission-driven company that values transformation and efficiency. A competitive salary and time off package that appreciates your hard work and dedication. And benefits focused on ensuring our employees can take care of themselves including: 

  • Vacation & Holidays: We offer three weeks of paid vacation each calendar year. Along with vacation, we offer 12 paid holidays each year.
  • Health insurance: You have the choice to opt-in to the best medical, dental and vision insurance we can get.
  • Sparks Benefits include Nutrition, Fitness, and Education allowance and resources!
  • Free product: You need to be able to brag about how awesome Kettle & Fire products are, so team members get free product for their personal use

Average salary estimate

$100000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$80000K
$120000K

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What You Should Know About Director of Sales - West, Kettle & Fire

Join the team at Kettle & Fire as our new Director of Sales - West! This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and results-oriented sales leader to drive our growth strategy in the West Region, focusing on both Grocery and Natural channels. At Kettle & Fire, we believe in creating nutrient-rich products that not only nourish our customers but also support sustainable practices in the food industry. As the Director of Sales, you will be at the forefront of implementing our national sales strategy, engaging with everything from local independents to national retail chains. You'll be collaborating closely with various teams, such as marketing, finance, and product development, to ensure that business objectives are met seamlessly. With around 25% travel, you'll be out in the field maximizing our brand’s presence at both headquarters and in-store, while fostering strong relationships with key buyers and brokers. If you're a strategic thinker with a love for food innovation who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you! Kettle & Fire is all about pushing boundaries and achieving collective excellence. Sounds like a fit? Let's talk about how you can contribute to our mission and help make Kettle & Fire the leading broth brand in the market!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director of Sales - West Role at Kettle & Fire
What are the core responsibilities of the Director of Sales - West at Kettle & Fire?

As the Director of Sales - West at Kettle & Fire, you will be responsible for developing strategic sales plans, managing key retail accounts, and fostering relationships with brokers and distributors. Your role includes coordinating with marketing and product development to maintain alignment on business objectives and maximizing growth opportunities across the Grocery and Natural channels.

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What qualifications are needed to apply for the Director of Sales - West position at Kettle & Fire?

To be considered for the Director of Sales - West role at Kettle & Fire, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related fields, alongside 5+ years of experience in Grocery and Natural Channels. Proven success in managing key retail accounts and familiarity with analytics tools such as SPINS and Nielsen are also critical.

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How important is collaboration for the Director of Sales - West position at Kettle & Fire?

Collaboration is essential in the Director of Sales - West role at Kettle & Fire. You will work closely with various departments such as finance, marketing, and operations to ensure cohesive execution of business strategies and alignment on our objectives, fostering a productive and unified work environment.

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What are the performance expectations for the Director of Sales - West role at Kettle & Fire?

Performance expectations for the Director of Sales - West at Kettle & Fire include achieving and exceeding revenue targets, maintaining strong relationships with key partners, and developing a robust trade promotion strategy that promotes product visibility and trial. Data-driven insights should guide your decision-making process to optimize performance.

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Is travel involved in the Director of Sales - West position at Kettle & Fire?

Yes, the Director of Sales - West position at Kettle & Fire involves approximately 25% travel. You'll be visiting key accounts and engaging in collaboration with broker management and field representatives to ensure successful execution of sales strategies.

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Common Interview Questions for Director of Sales - West
How would you develop a strategic sales plan for Kettle & Fire in the West Region?

When developing a strategic sales plan for Kettle & Fire, I would begin by analyzing market data to identify growth opportunities and target demographics. I'd segment the accounts and carefully evaluate the competition to create tailored strategies that optimize revenue while aligning with our overall mission and brand values.

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What strategies would you use to build relationships with key buyers in grocery and natural channels?

Building relationships with key buyers requires a personalized approach. I would leverage direct communication through regular check-ins, product tastings, and performance reviews. Making an effort to understand their business needs and aligning my strategies to support their goals is crucial for fostering long-term partnerships.

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Can you share an example of how you've successfully managed key retail accounts in the past?

In my previous role, I successfully managed a key account by implementing a tailored promotional plan that increased product visibility through customized displays. By regularly reviewing our performance metrics and adjusting our approach based on insights, we exceeded our sales targets by 30% within the first year.

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What methods do you use to analyze market data and identify trends?

I utilize tools like SPINS and Nielsen to gather market data and assess trends in sales, consumer preferences, and competitive landscapes. I also always request insights directly from the sales team to hear about their ground-level observations, combining analytics with real-world experience to inform my strategies.

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How do you plan and execute trade promotions effectively?

Effective trade promotions begin with collaboration. I would work closely with marketing to design promotions that resonate with target consumers while aligning with retailer needs. I emphasize clear communication with brokers to ensure all parties are equipped with the necessary resources and provide them with detailed promotional calendars to streamline execution.

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What do you believe are the key attributes for success in the role of Director of Sales?

Success in the Director of Sales role hinges on strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a strategic mindset. Being adaptable to changing market conditions and having the ability to foster collaboration across teams while maintaining a clear focus on achieving results are vital attributes.

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How would you collaborate with the marketing team at Kettle & Fire?

Collaboration with the marketing team would involve regular meetings to sync sales strategies with marketing campaigns. I would contribute insights from sales data to guide marketing initiatives, ensuring we align messaging with promotion efforts to maximize our impact in the marketplace.

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How do you stay motivated and inspire your team in a fast-paced environment?

Staying motivated in a fast-paced environment calls for setting clear goals and celebrating achievements. I foster a culture of transparency and ingenuity, encouraging team members to share ideas and challenges openly. Additionally, I prioritize mentoring and support to maintain high morale.

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What do you see as current challenges in the grocery and natural food sectors?

Current challenges include navigating the competitive landscape with evolving consumer preferences and increased demand for transparency. Addressing these requires innovative product development and strategic targeting of niche markets while ensuring quality and sustainability remain at the core of our offerings.

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What would you do in your first 30 days as Director of Sales - West at Kettle & Fire?

In the first 30 days, I would focus on understanding Kettle & Fire's existing sales strategies, evaluating current account performance, and meeting with key internal stakeholders to build relationships. Assessing market trends and generating insights through direct discussions with retailers and brokers would also be critical to inform my immediate action plan.

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Kettle & Fire is a shelf-stable bone broth brand. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Diamond Bar, California.

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Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
January 14, 2025

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