JOHN POLITI
Vittoria Food & Beverage
Brisbane,Australia
27
years of professional experience
Results-driven Senior Commercial & Sales Leader with 20+ years of experience in FMCG, Foodservice, Retail, Wholesale, Healthcare, Education, and HORECA channels. Led national and state teams of up to 70 employees and managed sales portfolios exceeding $350M. Drove strategic growth through customer partnerships, commercial negotiations, and operational leadership, while facilitating acquisition integration and business transformation.
Work History
State Sales Manager QLD
5 Months- Developed and executed Queensland sales strategy, driving commercial growth initiatives.
- Cultivated and managed key distributor partnerships in Queensland and Northern NSW to enhance market presence.
- Executed NPD launches across HORECA and independent grocery channels, increasing brand visibility.
- Provided strategic leadership and key account relationship and business development
Sales Manager QLD
1 Year- Delivered GSV growth of 18% versus prior year.
- Increased Gross Profit by 30%.
- Achieved sales volume growth of 14%.
- Delivered major distributor growth of 28%.
- Secured national tender opportunities with Trippas White Group, Aust Venue Co, and Provendor Group, enhancing market reach.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with SPAR, The Distributor Group, Bidfood, PFD, and Superior Food Services, driving collaborative growth.
- Key Achievements
National Sales Manager | Foodservice Manager | Beverage Manager
8 Years- Managed a $350M National Foodservice Channel.
- Led teams ranging from 6 to 70 employees.
- Managed a dedicated $15M Beverage Division.
- Leadership of teams ranging from 6 to 70 employees.
- Managed major customer portfolios including Queensland Health, HealthShare Victoria, Trippas White Group and Purchase Plus.
- Developed proprietary sales call frameworks, KPI tracking systems and incentive programs.
- Introduced supplier engagement initiatives and performance management frameworks.
- Successfully led teams through significant COVID disruption and labour shortages.
- Led teams through significant COVID disruption and labour shortages, maintaining service continuity and team morale.
- Defined project scope and objectives for successful execution.
- Highlighted significant accomplishments and contributions to the organization.
Field Sales Manager
6 Years 11 Months- Managed Queensland sales operations, driving $32M in revenue.
- Led team of six account managers to enhance client relationships.
- Led a team of six Account Managers.
- Executed national campaigns across Queensland, increasing brand visibility.
- Completed Emerging Leaders Program and Sales Team Development Program.
Field Sales Manager / Trade Marketing Manager
9 Years 11 Months- Managed Queensland field sales operations, driving growth in market share and customer engagement.
- Led key MSO Group customer relationships, enhancing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
- Supported major national activation programs and premium customer experiences.
- Supported major national activation programs and premium customer experiences, contributing to overall brand visibility and market presence.
- Awarded Suntory Account Manager of the Year (2001).
- Key Achievements
Education
Bachelor of Business - Hospitality Management
Associate Diploma - Business Management
Skills
Revenue Growth
National Sales Management
Key Account Management
Distributor Management
Commercial Strategy
Commercial Leadership
Business Development
Trade Investment & ROI
P&L Management
Forecasting & Budgeting
Margin Growth
Category Growth
Joint Business Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Leadership
Timeline
State Sales Manager QLD
Vittoria Food & Beverage
02.2026 - 07.2026Read More
Sales Manager QLD
Nippy's Distribution Queensland
02.2025 - 02.2026Read More
National Sales Manager | Foodservice Manager | Beverage Manager
Metcash | Superior Foods | Quality Food Services
01.2017 - 01.2025Read More
Field Sales Manager
Pernod Ricard Australia
02.2010 - 01.2017Read More
Field Sales Manager / Trade Marketing Manager
Suntory Australia
01.2000 - 12.2009Read More
Gateway TAFE College
Associate Diploma from Business Management
Read More
University of Queensland, Gatton College
Bachelor of Business from Hospitality Management
Read More
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Led a $350M National Foodservice Sales Channel across multiple states.
- Managed sales teams ranging from 6 to 70 employees.
- Managed a dedicated $15M Beverage Channel.
- Grew a regional foodservice business from $55M to $65M in five years.
- Delivered +18% GSV growth, +30% GP growth, and +14% volume growth at Nippy's.
- Increased major distributor performance by 28%.
- Successfully navigated major acquisitions, integrations and COVID operational disruption.
- Developed performance management systems, incentive programs and sales process frameworks.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES | CAPABILITIES
- National Sales Manager
- Commercial Manager
- FMCG
- Foodservice
- Retail
- Wholesale
- HORECA
- Strategic Planning
- P&L Management
- Revenue Growth
- Margin Growth
- Distributor Management
- Key Account Management
- Joint Business Planning
- Category Management
- Team Leadership
- Forecasting
- Trade Investment
- Tender Management
- Business Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Change Management