The Sales Director in an Industrial Catering company is responsible for developing and executing the sales strategy to drive revenue growth, expand market share, and build long-term relationships with key clients. This role will focus on providing high-quality catering services to large-scale industries, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, corporate clients, and other industrial facilities. The Sales Director will oversee a sales team, collaborate with operations, and ensure that services meet the specific needs of clients in the industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to target new business opportunities within the industrial catering sector.
• Identify market trends and customer needs, ensuring the company stays competitive and innovative.
• Set clear sales goals, KPIs, and performance targets for the sales team.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of sales professionals, providing training and support to improve team performance.
• Foster a high-performance sales culture by motivating the team and ensuring alignment with the company's goals.
• Monitor team performance, track sales activities, and provide regular feedback and coaching.

Client Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key industrial clients and prospects, ensuring long-term business partnerships.
• Act as the main point of contact for major accounts, addressing client needs and concerns promptly.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements, ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including cross-selling and upselling additional catering services.
• Develop proposals and presentations tailored to the needs of industrial clients, including customized catering solutions.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to expand the company’s presence.

Collaboration with Operations and Marketing:

• Work closely with the operations team to ensure that sales promises align with service delivery capabilities and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional campaigns and sales materials that resonate with the industrial sector.
• Provide market insights to help refine product offerings and service delivery to meet client demands.

Financial and Budgetary Management:

• Prepare and manage sales forecasts, budgets, and reports to track performance against financial targets.
• Ensure that sales strategies are cost-effective and within budget, contributing to overall profitability.

Market Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor competitor activity, industry trends, and market conditions to inform sales strategies.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on sales performance, customer feedback, and market dynamics.

Compliance and Quality Standards:

• Ensure all sales activities comply with company policies, legal regulations, and industry standards.
• Collaborate with the operations team to maintain high standards of service quality and food safety.

Key Qualifications:

Education:
A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.

Experience:

• At least 7-10 years of experience in sales, business development, or a similar role, preferably within the catering, hospitality, or industrial services sector.
• Proven track record in managing and leading sales teams to exceed targets.
• Experience in the industrial catering or B2B services industry is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on achieving long-term business objectives.
• Ability to understand and address the unique needs of industrial clients.
• Knowledge of CRM tools and sales analytics.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and forecasts.

Personal Attributes:

• Driven, results-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
• High levels of resilience and adaptability to change.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based bonuses and commissions.
• Benefits package (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.).

Work Environment:

• Office-based with frequent travel to client sites and industry events.