VP of Sales - Meat Processing - Chicago

A leading manufacturer of advanced food processing equipment is looking for an experienced VP of Sales to drive commercial expansion across North America. This role blends strategic business development with technical solution selling.

Client Details

This organization is a long‑established engineering leader specializing in protein processing equipment for the global food processing industry.

Backed by a large international manufacturing and support network, the company provides fully integrated systems that span from product preparation to packaging, helping producers streamline operations and maintain high production standards worldwide.

Description

nd Market Presence

Uncover new opportunities, develop regional strategies, and grow sales within the food processing and packaging sectors.

Build Trusted Partnerships
Develop strong, long‑term relationships with decision‑makers and operational leaders, focusing on consultative engagement rather than transactional selling.

Provide Technical Insight
Assess customer needs, understand production bottlenecks, and propose tailored equipment solutions that improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality.

Track Market Trends
Monitor competitors, industry innovation, and customer behavior to inform strategy and maintain a competitive edge.

Collaborate Cross‑Functionally
Partner with internal engineering, service, and marketing teams to deliver strong proposals, demos, and post‑sale support.

Profile

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with major protein processors, protein manufacturers, or large‑scale food producer
• 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

• 5-7+ years in capital equipment sales
• Experience selling into food processing, packaging, or similar industrial manufacturing sectors
• Ability to explain mechanical systems, automation, and integrated production lines to varied audiences

Key Skills

• Strong "hunter" mindset with success opening new accounts and managing multi‑step sales processes
• Experience navigating long sales cycles (typically 6-18 months)
• Comfortable closing high‑value equipment deals ($250k+)
• Proficient in CRM platforms (Salesforce, Dynamics, or similar)
• Confident communicator in both technical and executive settings

Job Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 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
• Additional wellness and support benefits

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.