ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Costco Sample Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Acosta

Manager Business ADW

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$76.50K - $100K/yr

... sample cuttings , ensuring adherence to food safety standards and alignment with client and customer expectations. * Perform plant audits and inspections , verifying compliance with Costco food ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCostco Sample JobsCostco Sample Jobs in Chicago, IL

Costco Sample information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do costco sample jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for costco sample in Chicago, IL is $20.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Costco Sample job?

A Costco Sample job involves offering free product samples to customers inside Costco stores. These roles are typically staffed by employees of Club Demonstration Services (CDS), a company that partners with Costco to run in-store sampling events. Employees engage with customers, provide product information, and encourage purchases. The job requires friendliness, good communication skills, and the ability to stand for extended periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Costco Sample position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Costco Sample Associate, you typically need strong customer service skills, basic food safety knowledge, and the ability to stand for extended periods. Familiarity with simple food preparation equipment and adherence to food handling certifications (such as a food handler's permit, where required) are often necessary. Excellent communication, a friendly demeanor, and adaptability help make a positive impression on shoppers and respond to their questions. These skills are essential to engage customers effectively, encourage product sampling, and ensure a safe, appealing demonstration area.

What does a typical day look like for a Costco Sample Associate?

As a Costco Sample Associate, your day usually involves setting up your sampling station, preparing samples according to safety guidelines, and interacting with customers to offer tastings and share product information. You'll regularly clean your area, follow health standards, and answer questions shoppers may have about the products. Collaboration with other team members and store staff is common, especially during setup or busy periods. The role is active and customer-focused, making each day dynamic and requiring strong interpersonal skills. Over time, you may have the chance to learn new sampling techniques and take on additional responsibilities.

How much do Costco samples get paid?

Costco sample associates are typically paid an hourly wage that aligns with retail industry standards, often around minimum wage or slightly higher. Pay rates can vary by location and experience, and employees may receive additional benefits depending on their employment status and hours worked.
More about Costco Sample jobs
What are popular job titles related to Costco Sample jobs in Chicago, IL? For Costco Sample jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Costco Sample jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Costco Sample jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Costco Sample jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Costco Sample job openings:
Costco Sample jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costco Sample job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,314 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Manager Business ADW

Manager Business ADW

Acosta

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$76.50K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Acosta rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 40 rated marketing agency

Job description

Job Description
The Business Manager - ADW plays a critical leadership role in driving growth, expanding vendor partnerships, and strengthening customer relationships-most notably with Costco. This position blends strategic selling, financial accountability, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver results for both ADW and its clients.
Responsibilities
  • Partner closely with the Director and Vice President, ADW, as well as vendor and customer stakeholders, to drive sales growth and execute shared business objectives.
  • Own and manage an annual sales budget exceeding $25M, with full accountability for revenue performance, financial outcomes, and sales support activities.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and category expert, maintaining deep knowledge of vendor products, programs, category dynamics, and industry trends.
  • Develop and execute business strategies aligned with Costco buyer and regional goals, ensuring ADW initiatives complement and support buyer objectives.
  • Aggressively pursue new business opportunities with both existing and prospective vendors, including participation in trade shows and new item development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with vendors on packaging, pricing, formulation, and innovation, creating items specifically tailored for Costco's customer and operational needs.
  • Lead new item development and launches, working cross-functionally to bring innovative, market-relevant products to Costco shelves.
  • Provide buyers with timely market intelligence, including category trends, competitive insights, and industry developments to maximize vendor potential.
  • Manage demo, endcap, and other marketing investments, analyzing performance to ensure optimal return and sales impact.
  • Conduct product sample cuttings, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and alignment with client and customer expectations.
  • Perform plant audits and inspections, verifying compliance with Costco food safety, quality, and social responsibility standards.
  • Resolve operational and political challenges proactively, including issues related to deliveries, quality, packaging, billing, and vendor performance.
  • Communicate consistently with regional peers, sharing insights, challenges, opportunities, and best practices across the organization.
  • Safeguard all confidential and proprietary information, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
  • Support additional business initiatives and projects as assigned.

Qualifications
  • 5-7+ years of progressive sales experience, preferably within CPG, including direct experience calling on Costco buyers
  • Demonstrated success in a sales support, account management, or vendor-facing role within a large retail or wholesale environment
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in marketing, project management, or communications, supporting product launches, promotions, or category initiatives
  • At least 2 years of people management or leadership experience, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong negotiation skills, including strategic planning and tactical execution in high-stakes selling environments
  • Advanced analytical and marketing skills, with experience leveraging IRI and/or Nielsen (ACNielsen) data, post-promotion analysis, and category management insights
  • Solid financial acumen, including the ability to develop profit and volume strategies, manage budgets, and interpret financial statements
  • Working knowledge of logistics and supply chain fundamentals, including order processing, inventory management, and distribution methods
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver compelling presentations and respond effectively to buyer and stakeholder questions
  • Deep understanding of the sales process, including contracts, promotions, and client/vendor systems
  • Proven ability to handle confidential and proprietary information with professionalism and discretion

#DiscoverYourPath
About Us
Acosta is a part of Acosta Group - a collective of the industry's most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey.
Specializing in retail sales services, digital strategy, and business intelligence, Acosta empowers brands to thrive in the world of omnichannel shopping. Our sales and digital teams build lasting relationships, ensuring our client brands get the space they deserve in stores and outperform the competition online, while our merch reps make brands shine in retail locations across the world.
But it's not just about what we do - it's about who we are. With a team of over 20,000 associates, we're a community of forward-thinking, value-driven professionals committed to an unmatched level of trust and transparency in the industry. And, we understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why many of our field roles provide our associates with flexible scheduling options. Join us and be a part of a team that values growth and making a real impact for our clients, retail partners and their customers.
Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact AskHR@acosta.com. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request.
Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting.
The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant, please use the link provided to access information on our use of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov)
By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use.
#DiscoverYourPath

What Acosta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Acosta logo

About Acosta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are the sales and marketing powerhouse behind the most recognized brands. Many of our relationships originated over 50 years ago and continue to thrive today due to the exceptional value and client service we provide. In addition to having long-standing relationships with high-profile brands and we also enjoy partnerships with leading retailers Kroger, Walmart, Costco, and PetSmart and brands including P&G, Kraft-Heinz, Campbell's, Coca-Cola.

Industry

Marketing and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Jacksonville, FL, US

View All Acosta Jobs

Apply