Foodservice Sales Manager

Title:  Foodservice Sales Manager

About E. Armata Fruit & Produce

E. Armata Fruit & Produce is a family-owned, fourth-generation leader in the fresh produce industry since 1893. As one of the largest importers and distributors in Hunts Point, we supply premium fruits and vegetables to retailers and wholesalers nationwide. We're seeking a dynamic sales leader, experienced managing institutional and commercial foodservice clients. If you have produce experience and a passion for pioneering growth, this is the opportunity for you!  

Position Overview

The Foodservice Sales Manager will lead our foodservice distribution sales, driving new business development. You'll have experience selling both corporate & independent foodservice clients.  Including but not limited to hospitals, colleges, travel, entertainment, restaurant groups, military and/or similar high-volume accounts. This role involves negotiating contract pricing, securing vendor authorizations, distribution plans, managing forecasts, and establishing processes for long-term success. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, you'll collaborate with operations & buying teams to deliver reliable, high-quality produce & service solutions from our Hunts Point facility.

Key Responsibilities  

- Prospect and Secure New Business: Identify leads in institutional (K-12, colleges, travel, military, hospitals), commercial (stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theatre), and distributor channels, converting opportunities into signed contracts.  

- Negotiate Contracts & Pricing: Lead RFP responses, vendor authorization processes, and customized pricing agreements; forecast volumes and manage supply commitments for optimal profitability.  

- Strategic Relationship Building: Cultivate partnerships with decision-makers at corporate foodservice accounts and independent foodservice through cold outreach, needs assessments, and tailored produce proposals.  

- Drive Revenue Growth: Execute sales plans to hit aggressive targets, focusing on volume sales of fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty items while monitoring market trends and competitors.  

- Forecasting & Operations Alignment: Create accurate demand forecasts; partner with procurement, logistics, and QA teams to ensure product quality, on-time delivery, food safety compliance, and supply chain efficiency.  

- Account Onboarding & Management: Oversee new client implementation, ongoing relationship management, and retention through proactive service and issue resolution.  

- Reporting & Analytics: Maintain sales pipeline, track KPIs, and deliver forecasts; provide insights to leadership on foodservice performance and opportunities.  

- Travel & Industry Engagement: Attend trade shows, client meetings, and networking events (up to 40% travel, primarily Northeast).  Up to 60% on-site based out of our Hunts Point facility.

Qualifications  

- Experience: 5 years in foodservice or produce sales; proven success negotiating contracts, securing vendor approvals, and forecasting for large operators.

- Industry Knowledge: Strong grasp of produce supply chains, seasonal dynamics, pricing strategies, and foodservice needs (e.g., institutional bulk buying, hospitality requirements). Familiarity with clients like Sodexo, Aramark, or Compass Group a plus.  

- Skills: Hunter mentality with excellent negotiation, cold-calling, and closing skills; proficient communication, forecasting tools, and Microsoft Office.  

- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.  

- Traits: Entrepreneurial, self-starter with resilience, high energy, and ability to thrive in ambiguity. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel required.  

- Preferred: Existing Northeast foodservice network; bilingual (Spanish a plus).  

What We Offer  

- Competitive Compensation: $80-110K base salary performance-based bonus potential.  

- Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and produce perks.  

- Growth Opportunities: Build upon our foodservice division in a stable, family-owned business with opportunities to grow.  

- Work Environment: Fast-paced, collaborative culture at our iconic Hunts Point terminal with modern facilities.