Director of Strategic Accounts

Job Title : Strategic Account Director

Reports To: VP of Business Strategy

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt. (Remote/Hybrid if residing in DFW)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

About Us:
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development. As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and building strong relationships through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external.

Job Summary:

The Strategic Account Director is a senior leadership role responsible for driving ILLES Foods’ overall commercial strategy, revenue growth, and customer success across all channels—Foodservice, Industrial, Retail, and Co-Manufacturing. This role has full accountability for developing and executing commercial plans, leading the sales and account management teams, and aligning marketing and innovation efforts with business objectives.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director provides strategic direction, executive-level customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership to ensure ILLES Foods delivers profitable, sustainable growth. This individual will serve as the voice of the customer, shaping company strategy while ensuring operational excellence and financial performance. All work must comply with BRC, GMPs, ILLES SOPs, and quality standards. ILLES partners conduct themselves in a manner that is aligned with ILLES Foods' Core Values: we Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Commercial Leadership: Define and lead ILLES Foods’ commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals, market opportunities, and long-term growth objectives.
• P&L Ownership: Take full responsibility for revenue, margin, and profitability performance across all customer segments and channels.
• Team Leadership: Build , lead, and inspire a high-performing commercial organization, including strategic account managers, business development leaders, and sales support teams.
• Market Expansion: Identify and lead initiatives to expand ILLES Foods’ footprint into new markets, channels, and categories.
• Executive-Level Partnerships: Establish and strengthen C-suite relationships with key clients, industry partners, and stakeholders to position ILLES as a strategic, long-term partner.
• Innovation Alignment: Partner with R&D, Culinary, and Operations to ensure customer-driven innovation is prioritized, launched successfully, and scaled effectively.
• Pricing & Commercial Strategy: Lead pricing architecture, value propositions, and commercial negotiation strategies to ensure competitive advantage and profitability.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to align resources and deliver exceptional customer experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage CRM, ERP, and market analytics to monitor performance, forecast demand, and guide commercial investments.
• External Representation: Serve as a senior representative of ILLES Foods at trade shows, industry forums, and strategic partner events, elevating the company’s brand and thought leadership.
• Talent Development: Mentor and develop commercial talent, building succession readiness and strengthening organizational capability.

Required Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven Commercial Leadership: Track record of leading multi-million dollar revenue portfolios and delivering measurable business growth.
• Executive Influence : Exceptional ability to build credibility, trust, and influence at the senior executive and board level.
• People Leadership : Demonstrated success in building, developing, and managing high-performing commercial teams.
• Strategic Vision : Strong business acumen with the ability to anticipate market trends, design long-term strategies, and pivot as needed.
• Financial Acumen : Deep understanding of P&L management, pricing models, and margin optimization.
• Innovation Mindset : Experience driving innovation in partnership with R&D and operations to deliver differentiated customer solutions.
• Outstanding Communication : Clear, persuasive, and impactful communicator to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Technology & Analytics : Advanced ability to leverage CRM, ERP, and data analytics tools to support strategic decision-making.
• Travel: Ability to travel between 20-70% of the time, as required.

Experience, Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in commercial leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a director-level or equivalent position within Foodservice, Industrial, Retail, or Co-Manufacturing.
• Proven success managing national or global accounts and leading commercial teams to deliver sustained growth.
• Demonstrated experience developing market entry strategies, leading negotiations, and achieving profitability targets.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Work Schedule: Ability to work 40-50 hours per week. Must be able to work extended hours when necessary to support business needs, executive reporting, and major account initiatives
• Travel: Must be able to travel long distances by plane, train, or automobile, and possess a valid driver's license.
• Physical: Capable of lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally, and standing for extended periods in laboratories, kitchens, or at trade shows.
• Office Work: Ability to sit for long periods while using a computer, keyboard, and participating in virtual meetings.
• Safety: Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in production areas.

What We Offer:
We are a core-value-driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!

Disclaimer:

The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of every task and skill. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties in accordance with federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated