Vice President, Sales & Operations

Overview

This leadership position is based in the Philadelphia area, with candidates also considered from Southern New Jersey. It is for a company operating in food and beverage distribution, and it is not a position with ForceBrands. The role reports to the SVP of Sales and is responsible for guiding sales strategy alongside operational execution.

The Vice President of Sales & Operations will be responsible for accelerating revenue growth while improving operating performance across the business. The person in this role will lead the sales organization, expand market reach, strengthen major customer relationships, and ensure that daily operations meet company standards for quality, efficiency, compliance, and safety.

This leader will work closely with teams across marketing, manufacturing, production, supply chain, and finance to align plans, manage resources effectively, and support business goals. The role also includes setting KPIs, reviewing market trends, managing budgets and forecasts, coaching employees, and driving process improvement and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute sales and operations strategies that support the company’s goals for products and services.
• Manage operating budgets to support revenue growth, control expenses, protect profitability, and maintain safety standards.
• Oversee retail operations, including warehouse sites, delivery activities, field sales, and merchandising support.
• Lead execution of the annual strategic plan and major operating initiatives such as route-to-market programs.
• Build sales forecasts and define performance measures that improve results.
• Evaluate market needs on an ongoing basis and turn insights into practical sales and operations plans.
• Partner with Marketing on mid- to long-range strategies for customer engagement and channel performance.
• Recommend approaches for product placement, packaging, and pricing that support business outcomes.
• Secure required approvals and grow distribution across accounts while establishing vertical call coverage.
• Join joint account meetings with franchise partners and distributors to align on pricing and programming.
• Track profit-and-loss performance and market share against industry benchmarks and economic trends.
• Coordinate with Production and Supply Chain to keep sales and operations planning aligned.
• Develop the annual operating budget and maintain controls that ensure service, operating, revenue, and profit goals are achieved within target cost levels.
• Lead channel development efforts, set sales quotas and performance goals, and review competitor products and marketing activity.
• Support sales representatives in customer relationship development and agreement negotiations.
• Build a high-performing, motivated sales team through vision, coaching, and clear direction.
• Design and implement sales processes and resources that support productivity and service objectives.
• Promote employee safety initiatives across the organization.
• Maintain effective communication between Sales and other functional teams as needed.
• Handle additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in sales and operations.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior sales manager or vice president-level role.
• Experience in beverage-related businesses is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, sales, marketing, or a related discipline is required.
• Prior exposure to a unionized environment is considered an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sales planning, warehousing, distribution, and process improvement.
• Excellent relationship-building abilities with a strong customer-service orientation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership experience in building and managing a growing sales organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively with external customers and internal teams at all levels.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Highly organized with strong follow-through, multitasking ability, and a structured approach to problem solving.
• Continuous-improvement mindset with a strong focus on safety and operational discipline.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Additional Information

This is a senior leadership position within the food and beverage distribution sector. The company is seeking someone who can connect sales growth with operational excellence, use data to guide decisions, and foster strong collaboration across functions.

Candidates must be based in the Philadelphia or Southern New Jersey area.

Other duties may be assigned as needed, and management retains the right to change or reassign responsibilities at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.