Open To Work
Verified
This profile is verified using an email address.
Alana Kierbow
Sr. Strategic Sales and Innovation Leader
Statham,GA
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired Job Title
Director of SalesDirector of InnovationsNational Sales DirectorStrategic Sales ManagerWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPersonal development programsSummary
Product innovation and commercial growth executive with a proven track record in food manufacturing and foodservice. Achieved annual commercialization of 20 products, resulting in $6.1 million in year-over-year growth and 3.6% sales increase. Expertise in leading cross-functional teams to meet strategic objectives and drive market success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Innovation & Strategic Sales Leader
US Foods
01.2024 - 06.2026
- Led innovation commercialization and strategic growth initiatives, enhancing overall market presence.
- Oversaw commercialization of approximately 20 new products each year, driving market expansion.
- Served as subject matter expert, supporting innovation and production strategy for 16 manufacturing facilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Facilitated $6.1 million year-over-year TGP and PA growth through targeted initiatives.
- Supported achievement of 3.6% year-over-year sales growth and 3.2% year-over-year case growth.
- Contributed to sales of 102.8 million pounds and distribution of 5.1 million cases in 2025.
- Managed category operations between SY and USFoods, resulting in optimized supply chain efficiency.
- Directed a team of 2 members, providing strategic leadership that enhanced collaboration across cross-functional groups.
Director of Business Development, National Sales
US Foods
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Developed customer-centric growth strategies that aligned with innovation objectives, resulting in expanded market presence.
- Directed strategic growth initiatives to expand customer categories and drive commercialization.
- Managed relationships with 15 to 20 national accounts, increasing client loyalty and retention.
- Led cross-functional teams of approximately 25 stakeholders to achieve project goals.
Business Development Manager
US Foods
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Identified potential clients, cultivated relationships, and negotiated contracts to drive revenue growth.
- Established new customer accounts through effective negotiation and sales closing techniques.
- Established strategic partnerships and consultative sales models, resulting in category growth.
- Analyzed market opportunities and customer needs, informing strategic business expansion initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align sales strategies with corporate goals.
R&D Chef
Roswell Food Group
01.2011 - 01.2021
- Led product development processes from ideation to launch, achieving successful market introduction and alignment with regulatory standards.
- Commercialized USDA and FDA-compliant food products, leveraging innovative product development strategies to meet market needs.
- Invented and co-invented two patents, contributing to advancements in food technology.
Territory Manager, Segment Specialist Manager
US Foods
09.2014 - 01.2020
- Managed territory sales operations and cultivated customer relationships to drive growth in food distribution.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance market penetration effectively.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends and capitalize on opportunities.
- Collaborated with accounts to identify opportunities for market share expansion.
- Utilized CRM systems to monitor sales performance and customer interactions.
- Trained and mentored junior team members in advanced sales techniques.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
05-2006
Bachelor of Science - Applied Science
05-2006
Skills
- Product innovation
- New product development
- Food product innovation
- Product lifecycle management
- CPG strategy
- Portfolio management
- Category management
- Sales strategy development
- National account management
- Partnership development
- Customer innovation
- Revenue growth
- Cross-functional leadership
Personal Information
Title: SENIOR DIRECTOR | PRODUCT INNOVATION | COMMERCIALIZATION | STRATEGIC GROWTH
LANGUAGES
English, Fluent
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Planned volunteer appreciation events, ordered gifts, and coordinated other ways to thank volunteers for service., Assisted with event planning activities by coordinating logistics associated with recruiting volunteers for specific tasks or assignments., Maintained records of all past and current volunteers' contact information in a centralized database.
Affiliations
- Cattleman's Association
- Women in Foodservice
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Launched and commercialized 20+ products from concept through commercialization.
- Commercialize approximately 20 new products annually.
- Supported innovation and production across 16 manufacturing facilities.
- Managed and expanded relationships with 15–20 national accounts and strategic customers.
- Directly manage 2 team members and influence approximately 25 cross-functional stakeholders.
- Patent holder with 2 issued patents.
- Contributed to 102.8 million pounds sold in 2025.
- Supported distribution of 5.1 million cases organization-wide.
- Delivered 3.2% YOY case growth and 3.6% YOY sales growth.
- Generated $6.1M YOY TGP + PA growth ($71.5M to $77.6M).
Timeline
Innovation & Strategic Sales Leader - US Foods
01.2024 - 06.2026
Director of Business Development, National Sales - US Foods
01.2022 - 01.2025
Business Development Manager - US Foods
01.2020 - 01.2022
Territory Manager, Segment Specialist Manager - US Foods
09.2014 - 01.2020
R&D Chef - Roswell Food Group
01.2011 - 01.2021
Gwinnett Technical College - Associate of Applied Science, Culinary Arts
Georgia Gwinnett College - Bachelor of Science, Applied Science