Foodservice Territory Manager
Job Overview
Gourmet Foods International is seeking a passionate, self-motivated individual for the position of Food Service Territory Manager. The role involves overseeing sales activities in an assigned territory, focusing on specialty and artisan foods. Ideal candidates should have a strong relationship-building skills and a career focus on performance-based incentives.
About the Role
You’ll manage current accounts while continuously seeking out new business opportunities. Your responsibilities include product demos, trade shows, tasting events, and customer visits. You’ll connect chefs, cheesemongers, and foodservice professionals with the best specialty products on the market.
Responsibilities
- Present and sell local, artisanal, specialty food items to Cheesemongers, culinarians, and chefs.
- Invite clients to company events, communicate the latest technologies and online ordering platforms, and win company promotions in the form of monetary payouts and trips to culinary/artisan producer destinations around the globe.
- Cultivate relationships with artisan manufacturers to bring exciting, new specialty items to GFI for our customer base.
- Manage inherited customers and prospect new customers.
- Be your own boss, managing your daily schedule and seeing as many customers and new prospects as possible to generate and grow sales.
- Identify and resolve client concerns.
- Participate in marketing events such as cheese seminars, pastry classes, trade shows, and tasting/pairing events.
- Conduct outside sales activities by regularly visiting customers to build lasting relationships and understand their needs.
- Schedule and manage customer visits to present product demonstrations, discuss solutions, and close sales in a personalized setting.
Requirements
- A strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills and a passion for artisan and specialty foods.
- 2–5 years of experience in the foodservice industry.
- Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage a fast-paced, independent schedule.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- A college degree is preferred but not required.
Qualifications
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.
- Experience working with large, multi-location clients or complex customer accounts.
- Highly organized with advanced planning capabilities.
- Ability to identify emerging trends in the foodservice industry.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data-driven tools.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed.
Skills
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge of culinary and specialty food markets.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- 401(k) with matching contributions
- Profit Sharing
- Competitive Salaries
- Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Free College Tuition
- PAID Parental Leave
- Professional Development Programs
- Opportunity to grow within the Company
- Employee Discount
- Referral Bonus
Pay
Commission: Eligible for monthly, quarterly, and annual bonuses and other sales incentives if applicable
Above-average salary
Company-provided laptop
Company cell phone reimbursement
Schedule
Flexibility to build your own schedule to maximize territory impact
Fast-paced and exciting environment
Advancement Opportunities including tuition reimbursement and professional development
Team-oriented culture
Product Innovation
Learn about the latest gourmet trends, technologies, and culinary offerings
What Else Can We Offer?
Gourmet Foods International is a drug-free employer. You voluntarily consent to a pre-employment drug screen, and a background check will be conducted as part of the hiring process. Background checks can include, but are not limited to, previous employment, education, and criminal records.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Gourmet Foods International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.