VP of Sales - Meat Processing - Chicago

Job OpportunityWork for a subsidiary of the market's leader in food processing equipment. Work with the premium brand within their vertical.Job DescriptionExpand market presence by uncovering new opportunities, developing regional strategies, and growing sales within the food processing and packaging sectors. Build trusted partnerships by developing strong, long-term relationships with decision-makers and operational leaders, focusing on consultative engagement rather than transactional selling. Provide technical insight by assessing customer needs, understanding production bottlenecks, and proposing tailored equipment solutions that improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality. Track market trends by monitoring competitors, industry innovation, and customer behavior to inform strategy and maintain a competitive edge. Collaborate cross-functionally by partnering with internal engineering, service, and marketing teams to deliver strong proposals, demos, and post-sale support.The Successful ApplicantPreferred qualifications include existing relationships with major protein processors, protein manufacturers, or large-scale food producers. Experience within a multi-brand industrial equipment portfolio is beneficial. Education: A bachelor's degree is required; preference for Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial), Business, or Food Science disciplines. Professional experience includes 5-7+ years in capital equipment sales, experience selling into food processing, packaging, or similar industrial manufacturing sectors, and the ability to explain mechanical systems, automation, and integrated production lines to varied audiences.Key skills include a strong "hunter" mindset with success opening new accounts and managing multi-step sales processes, experience navigating long sales cycles (typically 6-18 months), comfort closing high-value equipment deals ($250k+), proficiency in CRM platforms (Salesforce, Dynamics, or similar), and confident communication in both technical and executive settings.What's on OfferCompensation & benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a health savings account with employer contribution, flexible spending account options, employer-paid life and disability coverage, employee assistance program, paid holidays and paid time off, 401(k) plan, and additional wellness and support benefits.