Culinary Sales Specialist
$70,000–$75,000 year
On-siteElk Grove Village, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Manage and expand IGF's share of the food distribution market by meeting targets, developing customer bases, and proactively pursuing new business through cold calls and follow-ups. Serve as subject matter experts on product placement strategies while negotiating contract rates, coordinating terms with Accounts Receivable, and collecting payments. Visit clients in person to introduce new products, maintain accurate account portfolios, and resolve service issues as the primary point of contact. Travel up to 75% to designated sales regions to build lasting relationships with vendors and customers, driving sales volume and market share growth within the independent food sector.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of three years of hospitality or food industry experience
- A proven track record of success in the food sales and services industry
- Ability to deal with customers, vendors, and all channels of distribution to assess and analyze situations
- Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate contracts and terms, and close deals
- Ability to build and maintain relationships across teams, departments, customers, vendors, and service providers
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team – changing gears when required, whether multitasking or adapting working hours; effectively manage time and prioritize multiple responsibilities
- Must be able to travel up to 75% to visit clients within the designated sales region, and 15% for out of market travel
- Proactive, quick-thinking, problem-solving approach to work
- Excellent communication, organization, and data-entry skills with keen focus on customer needs and relationship building; A high level of energy and self-motivation, as well as a passion for the food industry
- Strong attention to detail and solid written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; maintain a high and positive energy
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Dynamics, Excel, Teams, and Word) and other tech skills, including use of email, and text
- Must live in the area and have strong local connections
Desired Qualifications
- Five or more years of hospitality or food industry experience
- Bilingual communication skills
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.