National Account Manager – QSR / Chain Foodservice

National Account Manager – Chain / QSR Foodservice (Strategic Builder)

Location: East Coast or Central U.S. (near major airport preferred)

Travel: 50%+

Reports to: VP of Sales

About Bridor USA

Bridor USA is a global leader in premium European-style bakery products, combining French baking expertise with large-scale production capabilities. As Bridor expands its footprint in the U.S., a key strategic priority is accelerating growth within chain restaurants, QSR, and large multi-unit foodservice operators.

Role Overview

Bridor is seeking a highly experienced National Account Manager with a proven track record selling to QSR, fast-casual, and national/regional chain restaurants.

This is not a traditional sales role. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert and strategic architect, responsible for helping Bridor build and scale its go-to-market approach within the chain foodservice channel.

The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on experience calling on large chain accounts (e.g., McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, Chili’s, Applebee’s, etc.) and understands how to navigate:

• Complex menu development cycles
• RFP processes
• Culinary and procurement stakeholders
• Broker/distributor ecosystems

This person will establish a repeatable model for winning national and super-regional chain business.

Key Responsibilities

Channel Strategy & Build-Out

• Conduct a SWOT analysis of Bridor’s portfolio relative to chain/QSR needs
• Define target account universe (national + power regional chains)
• Build a strategic pipeline and RFP roadmap
• Identify product gaps and opportunities (e.g., sandwich carriers, croissants, desserts, LTOs)

New Business Development (High-Level Hunting)

• Develop and execute a targeted account penetration strategy
• Initiate relationships with culinary, procurement, and innovation teams
• Lead menu ideation and product positioning conversations

RFP & Commercial Process Leadership

• Drive involvement in RFP cycles, product testing, and commercialization pipelines
• Guide internal teams on what is required to win business in this channel
• Help shape NPD (New Product Development) priorities aligned with customer needs

Broker / Network Strategy

• Identify and engage the right brokers and distribution partners
• Advice on go-to-market structure where Bridor lacks penetration

Internal Capability Building

• Act as a thought leader internally, educating Bridor on:
• How chain/QSR selling works
• Key success factors and pitfalls
• Competitive positioning

What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)

• Developed a clear channel strategy and prioritized target list
• Built a robust, qualified pipeline of chain opportunities
• Established active RFP participation and customer engagement
• Identified portfolio strengths/gaps and influenced product strategy
• Positioned Bridor with a credible path to winning chain business

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Proven experience selling into QSR, fast-casual, or chain restaurants
• Demonstrated success progressing from regional to national account exposure
• Deep understanding of:
• Chain restaurant decision-making structures
• Menu development cycles
• RFP and commercialization processes
• Ability to engage in culinary, procurement, and executive stakeholders
• Experience working with multi-unit operators (regional or national)

Preferred Background

• Experience in bakery, bread, or adjacent categories (e.g., sandwich carriers, breakfast items, desserts)
• Existing relationships within major QSR or chain restaurant groups
• Experience influencing or launching menu innovation or LTO programs

Profile Characteristics

• Strategic, not just tactical — builder mindset
• Credible operator who can “teach the organization”
• Strong business acumen with ability to translate insight into action
• Comfortably operating in ambiguity and building from scratch