Junior Sales Manager

Description

Summary of Job

The Junior Foodservice Sales Manager is an entry-level sales role focused on supporting regional sales efforts and developing foundational skills in foodservice distribution and operator engagement. This position is ideal for candidates looking to grow into a regional territory manager role. The individual will work closely with the Regional Sales Manager to learn sales strategy, build distributor and operator relationships, and contribute to sales execution through foodshows, account calls, and administrative support.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

· Assist Regional Sales Managers in executing distributor programs and operator promotions.

· Participate in sales calls to foodservice operators, gaining experience in account management and product presentation.

· Represent the company at foodshows, distributor events, and culinary showcases.

· Support booth setup, product sampling, and customer engagement activities.

· Shadow Regional Sales Managers to learn territory management and strategic planning.

· Prepare to take ownership of a small region, with the goal of growing sales and account base.

· Work with marketing, customer service, and supply chain teams to support sales execution.

· Help resolve customer issues and ensure timely follow-up on inquiries and requests.

· Participate in training programs focused on foodservice sales, product knowledge, and distributor operations.

· Continuously develop selling skills, product expertise, and industry knowledge.

Qualifications

Education and Qualifications

Culinary School or 2 years working in Foodservice operator industry. Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Previous Foodservice experience required

Physical Requirements

· Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

· Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

· Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and making fine discriminations in sound.

· Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

· The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Core Competencies

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Excel, Word, Microsoft Office and Power Point Technical Skills

Skills

1. Sales Fundamentals

· Understanding of sales cycles, lead generation, and closing techniques.

· Ability to manage accounts and support sales targets.

2. Customer Relationship Management

· Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain client relationships.

· Active listening and responsiveness to customer needs.

3. Communication

· Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication.

· Confidence in presenting products and solutions to clients.

4. Negotiation & Persuasion

· Ability to influence purchasing decisions and handle objections professionally.

5. Product Knowledge

· Willingness to learn and understand product offerings, especially in foodservice or distribution.

6. Time Management & Organization

· Capable of managing multiple accounts, meetings, and follow-ups efficiently.

9. Analytical Thinking

· Ability to interpret sales data, identify trends, and support forecasting efforts.

10. Adaptability & Resilience

· Open to feedback, quick to learn, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.