Chief Sales Officer

Job Description : CHIEF SALES OFFICER NEW ZEALAND Whittaker's is New Zealand's biggest chocolate manufacturer and has been voted New Zealand's 'Most Trusted Brand' for eleven years running. Their ethos is “best is always better”. This means using only the finest ingredients, the best methods, the most precise machinery, and having the best people to continue making good, honest chocolate. During the company’s early years, James Henry Whittaker was a pioneer in the chocolate world. Having worked for a large confectioner in the UK, he quickly developed a passion for all things chocolate. Now, four generations later as a proud family business, Whittaker’s has become a household name not only for great chocolate, but also as business leaders in the industry, ensuring people and the planet are cared for. As the business continues to thrive and diversify, an exciting, new and rare opportunity has become available for an outstanding Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the CSO sits on the Senior Leadership Team, leads the commercial arm across all customer channels domestically and internationally, and is responsible for identifying, maximising and executing new opportunities. Leading a team of 3 direct reports this role will be varied and have both strategic and hands on responsibilities, including the development of the sales strategy for Whittaker’s and being involved in the negotiation and management of significant contracts and partnerships. Leading a team that covers local and export markets Responsibility for all business revenue streams across all customer channels Driving sales for Whittaker’s, identifying expansion opportunities across channels and countries Management and execution of strategic partnership relationships including Twin Agencies and Trade Partners Cross-functional relationships and partnership management to establish successful channel and partner programmes Establishing the strategic direction for the sales function for Whittaker’s A minimum 20 years experience out of which 8 years in a similar role required (or in a leadership position within a similar environment) Strong commercial background with demonstrated history of sales success and new business opportunities Experience within an FMCG environment is preferable including channel management The ability to deliver world class customer service, on time and with accuracy Tertiary qualification may be beneficial.

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