IRCA is a prominent international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and gelato markets. They cater to independent producers as well as large food manufacturers, including consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. The company's core product offerings consist of chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and various other bakery and pastry ingredients.
Headquartered in Italy, IRCA was acquired by Advent International, a global private equity firm, in July 2022. The company has demonstrated a strong history of growth over the past decade. As part of its growth strategy, IRCA made two bolt-on acquisitions in 2022. They acquired Cesarin, a provider of candied fruits, and Anastasi, a supplier of pistachio ingredients. These acquisitions expanded IRCA's product portfolio and market reach.
More recently, IRCA acquired the leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target company focuses on high-value specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment. Their product range includes sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates, and fruit purées. This deal, successfully completed in March of 2023, is a transformative move for IRCA, establishing them as a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry.
With this acquisition, IRCA has a combined revenue of €1 billion in 2023 and a presence in 22 manufacturing facilities across Europe, the US, and Vietnam. This expanded manufacturing footprint and diversified product portfolio positions IRCA as a key player in the market, serving a wide range of customers in the bakery, pastry, and gelato sectors, as well as food manufacturers.
As the VP of Sales, Food Manufacturing, your main responsibility would be to oversee the growth of sales of all IRCA products in the North America territory. This would involve developing and implementing sales strategies, identifying new business opportunities, and building strong relationships with customers.
It is also important for you to ensure that all sales activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, safety regulations, and BRC standards. This would involve staying up-to-date with relevant regulations and industry standards and ensuring that all sales activities are compliant.
\n Responsibilities Develop and implementing strategic sales plans and forecasts to achieve corporate objectives: This would involve analyzing market trends, identifying new business opportunities, and developing sales strategies to drive growth and managing sales operating budgets to ensure that the sales team operates within budgetary constraints.Establish and maintaining relationships with industry influencers and key strategic partners such as distributors, retailers, and foodservice operators, to drive sales.Direct staffing, training and performance of North America sales team: This would involve training, and coaching the sales team to ensure that they are able to meet their sales targets and achieve their performance goals.Assist Sales Managers as needed and having meeting with key customers, to understand their needs and preferences and to build strong relationships with them.Act as liaison between sales department and other departments such as marketing, production, and finance, to ensure that sales activities are aligned with overall company goals.Prepare regular sales reports showing volume, potential sales and areas of proposed growth: This would involve analyzing sales data and preparing reports to provide insights into sales performance and identify areas for growth.Plan annual sales budget for the sales team that aligns with overall company goals and objectives.Develop and implementing new product launch programs working closely with the product development team.Prepare regular presentations to customers highlighting new/innovative concepts.Keep up-to-date with current industry trends and maintaining awareness of new products and ideasAttend industry trade shows several times annually.Maintain regular communication with Sales Manager to ensure that sales activities are aligned with overall company goals and objectives. Qualifications Minimum of 5+ years sales experience and leading teamsExperience with chocolate or bakery ingredient sales.Possess the ability to lead customer sales meetings, creatively solve problems, and forecast inventory needsKeep up to date with current industry trends and maintain awareness of new products and ideasAbility to work flexible schedule with large amount of travel, if necessaryDemonstrate an assertive attitude with a positive approach and outlookExhibit sound interpersonal skills in all interactions with customers, staff and company managementShould be independent with a balanced team spiritBachelor's degree (or equivalent)Home office based
\nIrca Group offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:
Medical, Dental, & Vision, 401(k) matching, Paid Vacation, and Holidays, Employee Education Tuition Reimbursement Program