Company description
We make ice cream that’s about more than ice cream.
At Salt & Straw, anything is possible. Crafted with unthinkable care, our team cooks, freezes, candies, smashes, drizzles, ribbons, spoons, and sprinkles, creating flavor profiles that awaken taste buds. Using ice cream as a blank slate for storytelling, we fearlessly explore ingredients, discover emerging artisans, and share inspiring, unifying experiences.
Job description
The Director of Wholesale and Business Development is responsible for leading and managing Salt & Straw's external sales channels, including food service, licensing, and retail/consumer packaged goods (CPG). This role focuses on identifying, developing, and managing new wholesale accounts and strategic partnerships that align with our brand vision and revenue goals. The Director will fully own the wholesale and non-retail P&Ls;, driving new business, expanding market presence, and fostering long-term relationships to support Salt & Straw’s growth as a premier national ice cream brand. This role requires a strategic, results-driven leader who excels in a dynamic environment, balancing innovative sales strategies with strong account management to maximize brand impact and profitability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 8+ years of experience in wholesale sales, business development, or partnerships within the food and beverage, CPG, hospitality, retail, or a similarly competitive industry.
- 5+ years of experience managing a team.
Proven track record of successfully securing and scaling wholesale accounts in food service, licensing, and/or retail for a high-growth company.
- Advanced experience in strategic planning and ability to drive a sales pipeline from strategy through execution.
- Experience in food and beverage, or consumer goods industry preferred.
Knowledge and Critical Skills
- Exceptional negotiation, relationship-building, and account management skills.
- Deep understanding of sales strategy, forecasting, and pipeline management.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, scaling environment with a passion for growth.
- Ability to effectively create new opportunities to grow business through additional call points.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a strategic and analytical approach with a focus on profitability and long-term, sustainable growth.
- Passion for the food and beverage industry, with an appreciation for artisanal products and storytelling.
- Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and identities.
- Desire to coach, mentor, motivate and manage Team Members with demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and build rapport with individuals at various levels of the organization.
- Self-directed with organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize, work effectively and positively under pressure and amidst changing priorities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a hands-on approach.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills and the ability to bring Legendary Hospitality into all interactions with team, direct reports, and guest and vendor relationships.
- Ability to travel regularly.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Fluency in English.
Benefits & Perks
- Financial Flexibility: Competitive salary with annual performance reviews, merit-based increases, optional Everyday Pay for early wage access, and a 401(k) with a 50% company match up to 1% of your salary after three months.
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting the first of the month after hire, with additional benefits like FSAs, HSAs, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Hybrid Work & Dog-Friendly Office: Eligible Team Members enjoy a hybrid work schedule, balancing remote flexibility with in-person collaboration. Plus, our Portland Support Center welcomes well-behaved dogs, fostering community and reducing stress in the workplace.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible Time Off (FTO) that allows you to take time away for rest, travel, or personal needs, without worrying about accruals—because we trust you to balance work and life. Plus, approximately 2 weeks of Paid Sick Time annually, 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, and holiday pay for 12 recognized holidays.
- Mental Health Support: Free 24/7 access to licensed mental health professionals for Team Members and their families, plus in-person counseling options.
- Perks & Discounts: 30% team discount, early access to new flavors, FIGO Pet Insurance, commuter benefits, and exclusive team perks.
- Education & Financial Savings: Up to $1,800 annually for education reimbursement and UHC Wellness Rewards up to $1,000.
- Inclusive Culture: A commitment to fostering an environment that values individuality, dignity, and respect.
Wage Transparency
We are actively embracing pay transparency by disclosing the hiring base wage for this role as $98,000.00-$108,000.00, highlighting its full earning potential within the broader base range of $98,0000.00-$132,000.00. This role also includes commission opportunities that further enhance total compensation.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Salt & Straw fosters an inclusive workplace where all team members and applicants are treated fairly, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. If you are a U.S. applicant with a disability and need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply, please contact our Talent team at ta@saltandstraw.com.
Work Authorization and E-Verify
We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization but do not use this process to pre-screen applicants. Qualified candidates with criminal histories are also considered in accordance with applicable laws.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $98,000.00 - $108,000.00
Application instructions
this job's deadline has passed
Deadline
February 28, 2025