Sr. Director, Foodservice Corporate Development

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.; Texas; On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. seeks a Sr. Sysco Director of Corporate Development to lead growth across key corporate accounts, including Sysco Foodservice. The role involves developing short- and long-term strategies, managing relationships, and driving mature account performance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in corporate sales with a strong finance/business development background. Ideally based in Houston, with Dallas and Chicago considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field required.
• 10+ years of progressively increasing sales experience in foodservice or corporate accounts.
• Proven track record of leading strategic partnerships and driving growth.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain long-term partnerships with key corporate account stakeholders.
• Conduct business reviews at corporate and regional levels to assess performance and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies and support field execution.
• Work with category managers to align on initiatives and optimize portfolios.
• Partner with accounts on innovation platforms to create opportunities.
• Manage sales forecasting and contribute to production and supply chain planning.
• Engage with executives at major accounts to promote Ajinomoto products and grow the business.

Skills

Relationship management

Strategic partnerships

Business development

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Economics

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Ideal candidate must reside in either Houston, Dallas or Chicago!

The Sr. 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.
• 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.

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