Executive Director, Sales

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 145,000 - 242,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Rx

Dental

Vision

Flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA)

401(k)

Paid time off

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

KeHE Distributors, LLC is seeking an Executive Director of Sales to lead our sales strategy and drive profitable growth. In this key leadership role, you will oversee financial performance, develop strong relationships with key customers, and guide high-performing sales teams.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in grocery retail. Benefits include health coverage, 401(k), and more. Join our dedicated team committed to making a positive impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in the grocery retail channel.
• 8+ years of management experience.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive overall business and sales strategy.
• Lead financial analysis and reporting of sales performance.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key customers.

Skills

Business strategy definition

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Team leadership

Opportunity spotting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sales, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Power BI)

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $145,000.00/Yr. - $242,300.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee‑owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Director of Sales is a key leadership role and responsibility for planning, directing, and coordinating the development and execution of sales, marketing, and merchandising programs to retail stores and other retailers that meet regional and company financial goals. This position will also develop and solidify relationships with customers, vendors, and broker partners. As with all positions at KeHE we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and drive overall business and sales strategy, translating company vision into actionable plans, KPIs, and objectives for profitable growth.
• Oversee all financial aspects of the business, including budget development, forecasting, expense management, and P&L accountability for assigned accounts or regions.
• Lead the financial analysis and reporting of sales performance, profit margins, and business opportunities, using insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Lead, develop, and grow high‑performing sales teams to execute strategy and achieve business objectives.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with key customers, vendors, and partners to execute business strategy and drive long‑term growth.
• Develops and executes plans and programs to ensure sales and profit growth maximize at the account level through analytical and fact‑based selling.
• Develops creative promotional plans to increase sales and manages plans through profitable execution.
• Provides leadership to and builds sales teams to drive sales, marketing, and merchandising programs upward to ensure that company objectives are met and or exceeded.
• Ongoing sales plan development, assessment, analysis, and execution specific to the accounts of responsibility.
• Increases sales by finding new business opportunities and through consistent follow up.
• Responsible for the analysis and distribution of category management information and initiatives.
• Participates in regional and national trade events and represents the company through public speaking and participation in industry associations.
• Manages budgets for the assigned customers.
• Monitors competitor activities and recommends paths forward to address these activities.
• Works with a sense of urgency towards projects, requests, and deadlines.
• Communicates and collaborates with other KeHE functional areas to meet all company objectives.
• Assures that established company policies and procedures are followed in the assigned sales area.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Proven ability to define and drive business strategy, linking strategic planning with execution to deliver measurable results.
• Strong financial acumen with experience developing budgets, managing P&L, analyzing financial reports, and using financial insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen, capable of making decisions that balance growth, profitability, and long‑term sustainability.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, written and presentation with the ability to convey a clear understanding of unique needs of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams to meet objectives.
• Strong ability to lead teams and provide guidance and leadership.
• Ability to focus on highest priorities and set aside less critical tasks.
• Ability to plan and lay out a thorough schedule and steps for achieving objectives.
• Ability to tackle obstacles and develop excellent contingency plans.
• Quickly and decisively acts in fast‑changing, unpredictable situations.
• Exceptional at spotting or seizing opportunities.
• Exhibits tremendous amount of initiative in tough situations.
• Able to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Expresses self in credible and transparent manner, and models high standards of honesty and integrity with self, co‑workers, and direct reports.
• Ability to know the most effective and efficient processes to get things done with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best and help the organization achieve its objectives and consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.
• Build strong‑identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Ability to be courageous and address difficult issues and be willing to say what needs to be said and done.
• Strong knowledge of sales and financial reports and understanding and interpreting of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
• Ability to understand complex, high quantity and at times contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Power BI).
• Willingness to travel to various business locations up to 50% of time.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed, including some weekends.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven track record of developing and executing strategy, managing financial performance, leading high‑performing teams, and driving profitable business growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Business, or a related field is required.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience in the grocery retail channel with 8+ years of management experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Requisition ID

2026-28391

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.