Director Strategic Market Development

The Director, Strategic Market Development is responsible for identifying, developing, and expanding Merrychef’s presence within non‑traditional foodservice segments, including healthcare, higher education, corporate dining, food manufacturing, government, and specialty institutional environments. The role reports directly to the VP of Sales and is based out of Coppell, TX, with the ability to work remotely. Frequent travel (up to 75%) is required.

Major Accountability New Market Segment Strategy Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Building Channel and Distribution Development Demand Creation and Education Performance Management and Market Intelligence Key Tasks And Responsibilities Market Expansion & Strategy Development: Identify growth opportunities across non‑traditional institutional segments; develop segment‑specific go‑to‑market strategies focused on customer needs, procurement processes, and operational workflows. Strategic Relationship Building: Build and sustain strong relationships with food manufacturers, consultants, healthcare procurement leads, university dining directors, corporate dining stakeholders, and grocery/retail decision makers to influence specifications, menu strategies and purchasing decisions. Food Manufacturing Partnerships & Menu Alignment: Collaborate with partners on menu development and product focus to ensure offerings are optimized for Merrychef technology, operational performance, and real‑world end‑user needs.

Sales Channel Development: Partner with internal sales leadership to define effective distribution pathways, including alternative dealer networks, GPOs, food manufacturing collaborations, and specialty channel models. Ecosystem & Industry Partnerships: Engage key industry associations, trade groups, consultant networks, and manufacturer partners to elevate brand visibility, create thought leadership opportunities, and expand access to target segments. Demand Creation, Training & Education: Deliver targeted education through product demonstrations, culinary collaboration, webinars, test kitchen sessions, and curated content that highlight Merrychef’s value.

Competitive & Market Intelligence: Monitor trends, competitor activity, food manufacturing innovation, emerging technologies, and regulatory shifts to strengthen market positioning. Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Product, and Culinary teams to develop targeted campaigns, segment‑specific messaging, and solution bundles that align with customer and end‑user needs. Performance Metrics: Track and report segment performance, including new partnerships, specification wins, menu integrations, pipeline growth, and revenue expansion across non‑traditional and food manufacturing‑linked markets.

Qualifications 8+ years of progressive experience in commercial foodservice equipment sales, strategic market development, institutional channel expansion, or food manufacturing related environments. Demonstrated success growing business in healthcare, education, government/military, corporate dining, food manufacturing, managed services, or other non‑traditional foodservice segments. Proven ability to build and sustain long‑term strategic partnerships with food manufacturers, operators, consultants, engineers, and procurement/GPO stakeholders.

Experience with high‑speed cooking technologies, ventless solutions, or kitchen automation (preferred). Background in spec writing, kitchen design standards, or equipment standardization programs (preferred). Strong go‑to‑market strategy, market segmentation, and business development experience across complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with empathy for the end‑user. Experience leading product demonstrations, testing initiatives, or operator validations. Ability to meet deadlines, manage time, and multi‑task in an ever‑changing work environment.

Business acumen and experience in business case development; ability to translate customer culinary needs into actionable solutions. Excellent leadership, teamwork, collaboration, negotiation, and strategy development skills. Proficiency in computers, including spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.

Ability to create compelling customer‑facing and internal content, including presentations, playbooks, training materials, and sales enablement tools. Consistently operate in a manner that aligns with the Company Core Values. Strong culinary knowledge and experience collaborating with food manufacturing partners, culinary teams, and operators to develop menu solutions optimized for high‑speed cooking technology and operational efficiency.

Experience partnering cross‑functionally with Culinary, Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to support menu innovation, customer education, and demand creation across non‑traditional foodservice segments. Physical Requirements Ability to sit/stand/walk for extended periods in a kitchen environment, office setting, tradeshow/event, or in the field. Must be able to lift, push, or pull 50 pounds.

Ability to work extended hours, as needed. Must travel up to 75% of the time regionally, locally, and require overnights; occasional international travel. Must have valid U.S. passport and driver’s license.

Our Benefits Competitive wage Healthcare (medical, dental, vision) 401(k) savings plan Wellness Program Supplemental Health Plans Employee Assistance Program Training and Development Holiday Pay opportunities Employee discounts Paid Time Off (PTO) On‑the‑job training and skills development Basic Life Insurance Leave Program Employee Events Eligibility Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin or Wyoming EEO Statement Welbilt, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, medical condition, or any other status protected by law. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge, abilities, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr