Territory Sales Account Manager - Seattle Food Service

WHO WE ARE

Opening our doors in 1947, we are a third-generation, family-owned and operated direct importer, converter, and full-service distributor. We value the connections made over the bond people share through food, whether they are internal or external. For more information about who we are, please visit: Peterson Company (petersoncheese.com).

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Territory Manager is the primary relationship owner for many food service accounts (restaurants, bakeries, hotels, catering) in the downtown Seattle territory. Success is gauged by a deep understanding of how each customer type buys, what they value, and how Peterson’s curated sourcing and category expertise help them build better programs. Territory Managers are accountable for retaining and growing all approved accounts within their territory, developing new business, and serving as the primary communicator of operational and policy changes to their customer base.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Generate consistent revenue increases by meeting or exceeding monthly and annual sales and profit budgets.
• Develop strong rapport with customers through face-to-face meetings and by maintaining regular contact.
• Research market trends and communicate fluctuations, shortages, etc., that impact customers.
• Establish pricing based on delivery frequency, credit trends, order volume, and method of order processing.
• Prospect and develop profitable new customers within the established territory.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of all current Peterson product lines, sales procedures, and the Outside Sales Manual.
• Resolve customer issues such as credits, missing products, account payment status, and other issues that may hinder customer satisfaction and revenue generation.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Required

• 3 years of outside sales experience in food service, specialty food, independent retail, bakeries, or a related field.
• Genuine knowledge of, or passion for, specialty food, cheese, charcuterie, and culinary or specialty food retail.
• Proven ability to manage a geographic territory independently, including route planning, account prioritization, and time management.
• Demonstrated ability to retain and grow a portfolio of accounts within a defined territory.
• Proven ability to communicate operational and policy changes to customers in a timely and professional manner.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Maintain a current food handler’s permit, valid driver’s license, and proof of current auto insurance.

Preferred

• Established relationships within the Pacific Northwest food service, independent retail, or specialty food community.
• Experience managing a mixed territory of food service and independent retail accounts.
• Experience with CRM tools and structured territory management processes.
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This compensation information is a good-faith estimate and is provided in accordance with Washington state law. Total annual compensation is estimated to start between $90,000 and $150,000 (combining base salary, anticipated commission, auto stipend, and bonus opportunities). The base salary is determined based on the applicant’s skills and experience. Other benefits are provided by the Peterson Company.

The Peterson Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.