Sales Representative

Job Description: Food Service Sales Representative

Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan

Department: Sales

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Owner

Compensation: $30,000-$60,000 Base Salary plus commission

Territory: Detroit, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and surrounding counties, as assigned

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, customer-focused outside Food Service Sales Representative to grow our business throughout Metro Detroit. This individual will develop new customer relationships, maintain and expand existing accounts, and promote our food products and services to restaurants, commercial kitchens, caterers, hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, and other foodservice businesses.

The ideal candidate is a proactive salesperson who understands the importance of building trust, providing excellent service, identifying customer needs, and achieving profitable sales growth. The representative will manage an assigned territory, identify new business opportunities, and work closely with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sales and Business Development

• Identify, prospect, and acquire new foodservice customers throughout the assigned territory.
• Conduct in-person sales calls, cold calls, follow-ups, and product presentations.
• Identify opportunities to increase product distribution and grow market share.
• Present new products, promotions, samples, and customized product solutions.
• Negotiate pricing and sales terms within established company guidelines.

Account Management and Customer Service

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with restaurant owners, chefs, purchasing managers, and other decision-makers.
• Manage existing accounts and increase sales through upselling and cross-selling.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries, order concerns, and service issues.
• Coordinate with customer service, purchasing, warehouse, and delivery teams to resolve problems.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and develop strategies to retain and grow accounts.

Market and Product Knowledge

• Maintain knowledge of company products, pricing, promotions, and competitive offerings.
• Identify local market trends and emerging business opportunities.
• Recommend appropriate products based on customers' menus, budgets, quality requirements, and operational needs.
• Communicate customer feedback and market intelligence to management.

Sales Administration

• Maintain accurate customer records, sales forecasts, call reports, and pipeline information.
• Prepare sales reports as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prospect for new customers and confidently conduct business-to-business sales conversations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Metro Detroit.
• Reliable transportation and a driving record that meets company requirements.
• Basic computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and customer relationship management software.
• Self-motivation, accountability, and the ability to work independently.
• Experience with a foodservice ERP such as Entrée is recommended

Preferred

• Three or more years of outside sales, business development, foodservice, food distribution, or restaurant experience.
• Existing relationships with restaurant owners, chefs, purchasing managers, or foodservice operators.
• Experience meeting sales targets and growing profitable customer accounts.
• Knowledge of food products, specialty foods, wholesale distribution, or commercial food purchasing.

Equivalent combinations of relevant experience and transferable skills may be considered.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• New customer acquisition and account activation.
• Sales revenue and gross profit margin growth.
• Retention and expansion of existing accounts.
• Sales pipeline development and territory coverage.
• Customer satisfaction and responsiveness.
• Accurate reporting and adherence to company policies.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation package may include:

• Competitive base salary + Commissions
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement or allowance.
• Product training and opportunities for career advancement.

Final compensation and benefits will be based on the company's approved compensation plan and the candidate's qualifications.

Work Environment

This is primarily an outside sales position involving regular travel to customer locations throughout Metro Detroit. The representative will work both independently in the field and collaboratively with the owner of the company. Occasional early-morning customer visits or schedule flexibility may be necessary to meet customer needs.

Pay: $30,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement

Work Location: On the road