Outside Sales - Account Executive (Food Industry)

Outside Sales - Account Executive (Food Service Industry)

Overview

High impact outside sales role focused on aggressively developing new business and building a regional book of business from the ground up within the food service industry.

Selling a broad portfolio of food service products and related operational solutions for restaurant and hospitality customers.

This is a true hunter role designed for a driven sales professional who thrives on prospecting, opening new accounts, and creating long term customer partnerships.

Compensation

• Year 1 On Target Earnings in the $80K–$120K range depending on experience.

The Role

Own regional business development efforts through high volume prospecting, relationship building, and strategic account acquisition.

Expected to build a territory from scratch by consistently securing and developing new customer relationships.

Work closely with internal category specialists and operations teams to onboard and support newly acquired customers.

Ideal for someone who is highly motivated, competitive, and energized by winning new business in a fast paced outside sales environment.

What You’ll Do

• Prospect aggressively to identify and win new regional customer accounts
• Build a book of business from the ground up within an assigned territory
• Drive consistent new customer acquisition and territory growth
• Research customer operations, business needs, and purchasing trends
• Present product solutions and promotional offerings
• Build relationships with owners, operators, purchasing teams, and key decision makers
• Partner with category specialists to develop pricing and customer solutions
• Support customer onboarding and coordinate with operations teams
• Resolve customer issues and ensure high service levels
• Manage customer orders and maintain accurate communication
• Stay informed on market trends, competitors, and product innovation
• Travel regularly for customer visits, prospecting, and account support

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Proven outside sales experience with a strong focus on hunting and new business development
• Experience in food service, hospitality, distribution, produce, beverage, or related industries
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, cold call, and open new accounts
• Strong relationship management and communication skills
• Self starter mentality with strong organization and follow through
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Comfortable working cross functionally with operations and support teams
• Strong customer service and problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable with regular travel and customer facing activity

Preferred

• Experience selling food service, produce, specialty food, beverage, or restaurant related products
• Knowledge of restaurant operations or distribution environments
• Experience building a territory or book of business from scratch
• Experience managing regional or territory based accounts
• Familiarity with ERP or order management systems
• Experience working with promotional programs and merchandising initiatives

Orin Rice is a Seattle based Recruiting Firm specializing in Sales in the Great Seattle/Bellevue area. Visit our website at www.orinrice.com for more information or to view our other roles.