Head of Sales

The Head of Sales at UPSIDE Foods is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies to drive sustainable growth. This includes managing the sales pipeline for mid-to-large scale chains, engaging with customers to cultivate relationships, conducting market analysis to uncover new opportunities, and collaborating with various departments such as marketing and product development to align sales efforts with overall business objectives.

Candidates for the Head of Sales role at UPSIDE Foods should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in sales management, preferably in the food or food-adjacent sectors. They should exhibit a strong track record of success in building and leading high-performing sales teams, possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and be well-versed in both strategic thinking and execution.

UPSIDE Foods is seeking an experienced leader who possesses 15+ years in senior sales roles, particularly those who have had exposure to both start-ups and larger organizations during significant growth phases. Candidates should have a history of closing deals in new categories and should be comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels.

The Head of Sales plays a crucial role in advancing UPSIDE Foods' mission by developing market strategy for cultivated meat, thereby transforming the food system. By establishing strong relationships with key customers in the foodservice industry and beyond, the sales leader helps ensure that sustainable and delicious meat options are accessible, all while aligning sales activities with the company’s broader vision of environmental sustainability and food innovation.

The compensation range for the Head of Sales position at UPSIDE Foods is between $150,000 and $300,000. This range reflects the level of expertise required for the role and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, ensuring competitive remuneration for suitable candidates.

When developing a sales strategy, I start by analyzing market trends and customer needs. I prioritize aligning our sales tactics with overall business goals while ensuring we are targeting the right customers. By leveraging data analysis and insights from customer feedback, I create a multi-faceted approach that includes direct sales, partnerships, and marketing integration.

Managing a sales team is about more than just numbers; it’s about inspiration and development. I coach my team by setting clear expectations and goals while facilitating an open environment for feedback. Regular check-ins and performance reviews help keep the team motivated. I believe in celebrating wins and learning from challenges to foster growth.

Engaging key clients starts with building trust and understanding their needs. I focus on creating a dialogue to discover pain points and opportunities where our products can enhance their offerings. Regular communication helps build relationships, and I aim to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements, ensuring they feel valued.

I use a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics to gauge sales performance, such as sales growth, client retention rates, pipeline development, and customer satisfaction scores. I also analyze data related to deal closures and the length of sales cycles, allowing me to adjust strategies as needed for continuous improvement.

Competitive analysis is multi-dimensional. I begin by identifying key competitors and researching their market positioning, strengths, and weaknesses. I also seek feedback from our sales team and customers to gather insights on competitor offerings and how we can differentiate UPSIDE Foods through our value proposition.

One of the most challenging sales obstacles I faced involved penetrating a saturated market. To overcome this, I focused on crafting a compelling narrative about our product's unique benefits. By listening to customer concerns and being adaptable in my approach, I could pivot our sales tactics to better align with consumer demand, ultimately increasing our market share.

I keep my team motivated by fostering a culture of collaboration and recognition. I celebrate both team and individual achievements, creating an environment where everyone feels valued. I also encourage goal-setting and provide opportunities for professional development, aligning their personal growth with the success of our operational goals.

I have comprehensive experience with both D2C and retail sales channels. I understand the nuances of direct marketing in engaging end consumers while also mastering retail partnerships that require an intangible understanding of brand positioning. My approach blends creativity with data to drive successful campaigns in both sectors.

Storytelling is essential in sales as it creates emotional connections. At UPSIDE Foods, it allows us to present our mission and product benefits compellingly, engaging potential clients with a narrative that resonates. By sharing success stories and customer testimonials, we can illustrate the impact of our cultivated meat, inspiring stakeholders to join our cause.

I keep a close pulse on market trends and consumer preferences, allowing me to pivot swiftly as conditions change. I promote agility within my team, encouraging them to share observations from the field. This proactive stance enables us to adjust strategies, develop innovative solutions, and seize new opportunities as they arise.