Distant Lands Coffee

This position is responsible for the daily operation of any one of DLC’s roasters. The key elements necessary for this position are DLC product knowledge, specific roaster training and certification, DLC Quality Assurance training and DLC GMP training. This position is responsible for operating the roaster and maintaining product flow within the scheduled timeline with minimal down time.

KEY DUTIES:
• DLC product knowledge
• Complete understanding of all DLC items
• Understanding of entire work/product flow
• DLC machine knowledge
• Able to run one roast system, as a beginning tech
• Continues to learn and is being coached
• Learning basic data management
• Ability to recognize and report potential issues prior to production
• Completes PMs
• DLC Quality Assurance knowledge
• Proper understanding of all DLC QA standards
• Accountable for integrity and appearance of all finished product
• Understanding of product coding and date/lot coding
• Ability to record accurate and complete production logs
• DLC GMP knowledge
• Completion of DLC GMP training seminars
• Complies with safety
• Plant Environment
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area
• Sweep work area regularly after each use
• Ensure that all supplies are organized and stored in their proper place
• Ensure that all equipment used is cleaned and well maintained
• Every employee has a responsibility to report employee safety, food safety and/or quality concerns to their Supervisor/Manager immediately upon identification.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned

POSITION SKILL/COMPETENCY:
• Ability to work quickly and safely
• Lift a minimum of 25 lbs. on a regular basis
• Operate potentially dangerous equipment in a safe manner
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Warehouse environment includes exposure to varying weather temperatures and dust.
• Work under strict deadlines
• Work well in a team environment
• Personal and professional integrity
• Attention to detail
• Good communication skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma required; technical or college degree a plus
• Previous experience in a manufacturing facility a plus

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Manager-Foodservice will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for the DLC product portfolio including our new brand Java Trading. Full advantage points of our products must be leveraged within foodservice channels. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall general management of the DLC business unit and new customer growth across the portfolio.

KEY DUTIES:
The Senior Manager-Foodservice will lead the creation and activation of all sales plans across the Distant Lands Foodservice coffee portfolio, identifying and executing critical growth and revenue drivers for the business. As the business market champion, the Senior Manager-Foodservice ensures that all customer communication reflects the products core positioning, and supports the achievement of the company’s sales and strategic goals. This individual is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies and tactics that will enhance the company’s sales advantage, increase capabilities with customers, increase trial and develop customer loyalty. This includes development and coordination across all customer touch-points and foodservice channels to ensure sales and profit growth.

- Customer/Channel Expert
Lead and drive the DLC story to the next level with customers. Achieve top to top relationships with new business and current customer opportunities. The net result will be business growth and a solid strategic plan for foodservice.

- General Management
Work with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and other functions to deliver financial targets and meet our customers’ needs (operators and distributors).

- Financial Deliverables
Maintain ultimate ownership of the P&L. Responsible for ensuring that annual customer plans are designed and aligned cross functionally to deliver key financial targets.

- Marketing Strategy & Planning
Partner with the executive management team to architect an integrated coffee development and marketing communications strategy. Utilize market data, consumer/customer research and insights, and competitive intelligence to identify new opportunities and needs in the coffee/foodservice market that support the expansion and customization of existing Specialty Coffee products, the introduction of new products, and customer segmentation initiatives that will drive sales and create new revenue streams.

Additional duties and responsibilities
• Responsible for success and distribution of new DLC brand product Java Trading.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with key foodservice customers.
• Leverage customer relationships and enhance their experience with us, driving more business across the base and emerging segments.
• Work with and develop sales managers/representatives in the achievement of sales quotas, effective pricing and margin sustainability. Take the lead in acquiring, developing and retaining productive sales talent.
• Create and conduct effective sales presentations.
• Develop and successfully implement a sales strategy for foodservice that is aligned with the company’s objectives.
• Lead key customer trade shows and presentations.
• Secure new customers and achieve new business targets assigned.

POSITION SKILL/COMPETENCY:
• Innovative and creative thinker
• High degree of intellectual horsepower
• Complex problem solver – creates options, then converge
• Entrepreneurial drive and spirit
• Collaborative management style
• Impeccable listening skills – listens first, then responds
• High energy – strong relationship management and interpersonal skills
• Influencing skills – proven ability to persuade others towards an idea or goal
• Excellent planning and organizational skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Foodservice sales experience required including work with group purchasing organizations, national accounts, regional accounts and significant stand-alone customers.
• Commodity based business a decided advantage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing or related field; or related or equivalent education/experience in the sales and marketing field.
• Computer proficiency.
• Familiarity and professional relationships with major national Foodservice customers.
• Customer background with DLC core customers is an advantage for candidate.
• Experience within smaller, hands on and resource light organization with a background in a larger foodservice discipline helpful.
• Nationwide travel required.

POSITION REPORTS TO: VP of Sales Foodservice

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Desire to learn about coffee
• Enjoys all types of coffee and is a consumer of coffee
• Background in coffee a benefit