Blue Sea Products
Director of Specialty & Independent Distribution Channels
Blue Sea Products, Princeton, New Jersey, us, 08543
Director of Specialty & Independent Distribution Channels
This role is a full-time, on-site position or remote options available. Candidates should be able to reliably commute, as relocation expenses will not be covered.
SALARY:
$125,000 + competitive bonus structure
(commensurate on experience)
JOB SUMMARY Blue Sea Products is a premium, responsibly sourced seafood company renowned for quality and commitment to sustainability. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven
Director of Specialty & Independent Distribution Channels
to significantly expand our reach across niche, high-value, and independent food service and retail sectors.
This pivotal role will focus on establishing, managing, and optimizing our business relationships with
Specialty Distributors ,
Redistribution partners , and
Wholesalers/Independent Distributors . The successful candidate will be responsible for creating tailored programs and strategies that ensure Blue Sea products are consistently available and actively sold through these critical, decentralized channels.
RESPONSIBILITIES The Director will lead all commercial and logistical engagement across the Specialty and Independent Distribution network:
Redistribution Strategy & Management:
Own the relationship and contract administration with
Redistribution partners , ensuring efficient inventory flow, freight optimization, and accurate coordination of supply across multiple geographic territories.
Specialty Distributor Growth:
Identify, onboard, and manage a portfolio of high-value
Specialty Distributors
serving gourmet retail, independent fine dining, and non-traditional food service segments. Develop product assortments and pricing strategies specifically for these niche markets.
Wholesaler/Independent Distributor Programs:
Design and execute effective programs (e.g., incentive structures, marketing support, merchandising) to drive volume and loyalty with
Independent Distributors and Wholesalers .
Channel Broker Management:
Oversee and direct the activities of third-party broker networks responsible for managing day-to-day sales and compliance within the Independent Distributor and Specialty Wholesale channel.
Logistics and Supply Chain Coordination:
Collaborate closely with internal Supply Chain and Operations teams to forecast demand, minimize out-of-stocks, and ensure the unique logistical needs of specialized distribution partners are met.
Performance Analytics:
Conduct deep analysis of channel sales data, distributor performance metrics, and profitability by program to continuously refine the go-to-market strategy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required.
Experience:
7+ years of progressive experience in sales, channel management, or business development, with at least 5 years specifically managing relationships with
Specialty Distributors, Independent Wholesalers, and/or major Foodservice Redistributors
(e.g., DOT Foods, Core-Mark) within the food industry.
Industry Knowledge:
Thorough understanding of the three-tier distribution model, DSD (Direct Store Delivery) operations, and the role of redistribution in the frozen/perishable supply chain.
Skills:
Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and program development skills. Proven ability to manage complex, decentralized channels and drive volume without direct key account control.
Travel:
Ability to travel up to 40% for partner meetings, trade shows, and market visits.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree (MBA or relevant advanced degree).
Direct experience with
broker contract management
and incentive plan creation.
Experience in the
seafood or highly regulated perishable food sector.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SALARY:
$125,000 + competitive bonus structure
(commensurate on experience)
JOB SUMMARY Blue Sea Products is a premium, responsibly sourced seafood company renowned for quality and commitment to sustainability. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven
Director of Specialty & Independent Distribution Channels
to significantly expand our reach across niche, high-value, and independent food service and retail sectors.
This pivotal role will focus on establishing, managing, and optimizing our business relationships with
Specialty Distributors ,
Redistribution partners , and
Wholesalers/Independent Distributors . The successful candidate will be responsible for creating tailored programs and strategies that ensure Blue Sea products are consistently available and actively sold through these critical, decentralized channels.
RESPONSIBILITIES The Director will lead all commercial and logistical engagement across the Specialty and Independent Distribution network:
Redistribution Strategy & Management:
Own the relationship and contract administration with
Redistribution partners , ensuring efficient inventory flow, freight optimization, and accurate coordination of supply across multiple geographic territories.
Specialty Distributor Growth:
Identify, onboard, and manage a portfolio of high-value
Specialty Distributors
serving gourmet retail, independent fine dining, and non-traditional food service segments. Develop product assortments and pricing strategies specifically for these niche markets.
Wholesaler/Independent Distributor Programs:
Design and execute effective programs (e.g., incentive structures, marketing support, merchandising) to drive volume and loyalty with
Independent Distributors and Wholesalers .
Channel Broker Management:
Oversee and direct the activities of third-party broker networks responsible for managing day-to-day sales and compliance within the Independent Distributor and Specialty Wholesale channel.
Logistics and Supply Chain Coordination:
Collaborate closely with internal Supply Chain and Operations teams to forecast demand, minimize out-of-stocks, and ensure the unique logistical needs of specialized distribution partners are met.
Performance Analytics:
Conduct deep analysis of channel sales data, distributor performance metrics, and profitability by program to continuously refine the go-to-market strategy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required.
Experience:
7+ years of progressive experience in sales, channel management, or business development, with at least 5 years specifically managing relationships with
Specialty Distributors, Independent Wholesalers, and/or major Foodservice Redistributors
(e.g., DOT Foods, Core-Mark) within the food industry.
Industry Knowledge:
Thorough understanding of the three-tier distribution model, DSD (Direct Store Delivery) operations, and the role of redistribution in the frozen/perishable supply chain.
Skills:
Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and program development skills. Proven ability to manage complex, decentralized channels and drive volume without direct key account control.
Travel:
Ability to travel up to 40% for partner meetings, trade shows, and market visits.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree (MBA or relevant advanced degree).
Direct experience with
broker contract management
and incentive plan creation.
Experience in the
seafood or highly regulated perishable food sector.
#J-18808-Ljbffr