Food Sales Representative - Chicago

Job Description

Job Description

Viola Imports, a branch of International Gourmet Foods, Inc. (IGF) services restaurants, gourmet markets, clubs, caterers, bakeries, country clubs, breweries, wineries, and hotels throughout the eastern United States.

We are driven by strong corporate and community values and most importantly, by the employees who uphold them.

The Sales Representative is a commission-based position that is critical to the growth and success of IGF. The Sales Representative will be responsible for servicing an existing sales portfolio while strategically growing the territory by enacting an effective sales targeting approach to increase sales.

The Sales Representative is responsible for learning the full spectrum of IGF products offered and staying current on new products added to inventory.

They must be diligent and professional with expertise in conducting market analysis and recognizing trends within territories.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, develop, and grow customer lead generation and customer base within the designated sales region
• Demonstrate success in growing existing client product portfolio
• Cold-call and regularly follow up on inbound leads, prospects, and sales inquiries of new and existing business
• Develop customer base necessary to meet all sales forecasts and budgets
• Conduct daily and weekly reporting and updates of sales and newly acquired business
• Cater to new and emerging market opportunities and proactively target new and existing clients
• Develop, maintain, and expand key client accounts and relationships within the designated sales region to increase IGF’s market share and enhance sales opportunities with IGF’s top clients
• Maintain an accurate portfolio of accounts, client contact information, targets, and updates
• Negotiate contract rates, terms, and payment arrangements with clients
• Manage client expectations, requests, and timely follow-ups
• Maintain a focused customer approach and an ability to learn and adapt to needs and changes quickly
• Service customers while developing a strong knowledge of their business
• Travel to clients to conduct customer check-ins, promote new products, and provide food demonstrations and samples
• Coordinate contract terms and fees with IGF’s credit department to ensure clients are current on their accounts and payments
• Serve as point of contact for all your customers’ inquiries and issues
• Collect customer payments
• Submit product returns request
• Research and obtain a high level of company product knowledge and food service industry features; gourmet food experience preferred
• Meet or exceed company sales and profitability goals as set by management; prepare and executive strategic account plans to ensure optimum sales penetration and viability
• Communicate daily workday status with management; provide accurate and timely sales reports, including forecasts and activities
• Communicate sales updates and strategies to peers in the IGF’s sales team
• Attend sales meetings as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Required)

• A minimum of three (3) years of B2B food sales 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

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Chef / Sous-Chef experience (5+ years)
• Bilingual fluency

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and drive for several hours a day and able to walk around to client establishments
• Must be able to bend and lift (at least 40 lb.)
• Requires bending, sitting, standing, walking, use of hands, arms, legs, eyes, and voice

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Paid vacation and holiday

Company-paid life insurance

Referral program

Employee discount

Health savings account

Employee assistance program

Compensation and Supplemental Pay

Salary Base + Commission

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