Chief Sales Officer

About the company: Whittaker's is New Zealand's biggest chocolate manufacturer and has been voted New Zealand's 'Most Trusted Brand' for eleven years running. Their ethos is “best is always better”. This means using only the finest ingredients, the best methods, the most precise machinery, and having the best people to continue making good, honest chocolate. During the company’s early years, James Henry Whittaker was a pioneer in the chocolate world. Having worked for a large confectioner in the UK, he quickly developed a passion for all things chocolate. Now, four generations later as a proud family business, Whittaker’s has become a household name not only for great chocolate, but also as business leaders in the industry, ensuring people and the planet are cared for.

About the role:

As the business continues to thrive and diversify, an exciting, new and rare opportunity has become available for an outstanding Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the CSO sits on the Senior Leadership Team, leads the commercial arm across all customer channels domestically and internationally, and is responsible for identifying, maximising and executing new opportunities. Leading a team of 3 direct reports this role will be varied and have both strategic and hands on responsibilities, including the development of the sales strategy for Whittaker’s and being involved in the negotiation and management of significant contracts and partnerships.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading a team that covers local and export markets
• Responsibility for all business revenue streams across all customer channels
• Driving sales for Whittaker’s, identifying expansion opportunities across channels and countries
• Management and execution of strategic partnership relationships including Twin Agencies and Trade Partners
• Cross-functional relationships and partnership management to establish successful channel and partner programmes
• Establishing the strategic direction for the sales function for Whittaker’s

Key competencies:

• A minimum 3 years in a similar role required (or in a leadership position within a similar environment)
• Strong commercial background with demonstrated history of sales success and new business opportunities
• Experience within an FMCG environment is preferable including channel management
• The ability to deliver world class customer service, on time and with accuracy
• Tertiary qualification may be beneficial.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a supportive and motivated team that is committed to excellence and innovation, whilst staying true to their family values of creating the best chocolate that we all know and love.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Jing Li on 04 471 9720.