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Distributor Sales Rep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Distributor Sales Rep information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$79K

$145.8K

How much do distributor sales rep jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for distributor sales rep in Chicago, IL is $78,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $95,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distributor Sales Rep, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distributor Sales Rep, you need strong sales acumen, product knowledge, and typically a background in business or marketing. Familiarity with CRM software, inventory management systems, and proficiency in Excel are commonly required for managing client relationships and tracking sales data. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help you connect with clients and close deals. These skills are crucial for driving revenue growth, expanding market reach, and maintaining long-term customer partnerships.

What does a distributor sales rep do?

A distributor sales rep is responsible for selling products to retail stores or other businesses on behalf of a manufacturer or distributor. They build relationships with clients, promote products, negotiate prices, and often use CRM tools to manage accounts. The role typically requires strong communication skills and knowledge of the products being sold.

How much does a distributor get paid?

A distributor sales representative typically earns a base salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, with additional commissions or bonuses based on sales performance. Compensation can vary depending on experience, industry, and geographic location, and may include benefits such as health insurance and vehicle allowances.

Can you make $500,000 a year in sales?

Distributor sales representatives can potentially earn $500,000 annually if they manage high-volume accounts, have extensive industry experience, and succeed in large or specialized markets. Achieving this level of income typically requires strong sales skills, a robust network, and often commission-based compensation structures. Such earnings are uncommon and usually associated with top performers in the field.

What is the difference between Distributor Sales Rep vs Sales Associate?

AspectDistributor Sales RepSales Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; industry-specific certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sales training often provided
Work EnvironmentField-based, visiting clients and distributorsRetail or showroom, assisting customers in-store
Employer & IndustryManufacturers, wholesalers, distribution companiesRetail stores, supermarkets, specialty shops
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in distribution salesEntry-level sales roles in retail

Distributor Sales Reps focus on building relationships with distributors and clients in the field, often requiring industry certifications. Sales Associates typically work in retail environments, assisting customers directly. Both roles involve sales skills but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

How does a Distributor Sales Rep typically collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to meet sales goals?

Distributor Sales Reps serve as a vital link between suppliers, customers, and their own company’s internal teams. They regularly coordinate with suppliers to stay updated on product availability, promotions, and industry trends, which helps them tailor their sales strategies. Internally, they work closely with logistics, marketing, and customer service departments to ensure timely deliveries and resolve client issues. Collaboration is key in this role, as successful reps proactively communicate and align with all parties to achieve sales targets and maintain strong customer relationships.

What is the highest paying sales rep job?

The highest paying sales representative roles are often in industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, and enterprise software, where top performers can earn six-figure salaries including commissions and bonuses. Senior or specialized sales reps with extensive experience and strong networks tend to earn the most in these fields.

What are Distributor Sales Reps?

Distributor Sales Representatives are professionals who act as the primary link between manufacturers or suppliers and retailers or end customers. They are responsible for promoting, selling, and distributing products within a designated territory, often managing inventory, negotiating deals, and ensuring product availability. Their goal is to maximize sales and expand market reach for the products they represent, while building strong relationships with clients. Distributor Sales Reps may also provide product training, handle customer inquiries, and gather market feedback to help improve offerings.
What job categories do people searching Distributor Sales Rep jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Distributor Sales Rep jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Distributor Sales Rep job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,992 per year, or $38 per hour.

Sales Representative- FoodHandler | Chicago, IL

Bunzl Distribution Inc.

Romeoville, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Bunzl Distribution rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 408 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

As a Sales Representative for Foodhandler, you will be responsible for the day-to-day support and management of end user customers and partner Distributor Sales Reps (DSRs). You will drive sales & margin growth to meet target goals within the Midwest region through identifying and developing new end user sales prospects (such as regional multi-unit restaurants, cafeterias and entertainment venues) and supporting DSRs with selling to their existing customer base.

This position reports to the Director of Regional Sales. Key qualities for this role include a proven track record of successful sales, outstanding communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment. You will learn and grow FoodHandler’s business in the designated region by learning & exercising strong sales and leadership skills and by leveraging all available resources necessary to be successful.

This is a remote (work from home) position, but you will be expected to spend signification time in the geography with your customers and broker/distributor sales reps. Based on customer location, an ideal candidate would live in the Chicago, IL geography. However, we will consider candidates within daily driving distance of Chicago areas. While you will be based out of an office in your home, expect 20%-30% day travel and another 25% overnight travel.

FoodHandler, a Bunzl company, is a leading provider of food safety solutions supporting foodservice and food processing customers across North America. FoodHandler products include disposable gloves, hairnets, aprons, and other single‑use PPE. Our warehouse teams play a critical role in ensuring accurate, efficient, and safe distribution for customers who depend on us.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Provide account management sales and support to a few large regional broker/distributor customers.
  • Work with Broker Sales Network Organizations, Distribution and End Users.
    • Build strong working relationships with Broker Networks, Distributors and End Users.
    • Review with our Broker Networks and Distributors FoodHandler’s vision, goals & value proposition. Work with them to develop strategies on how to meet our expectations of performance.
    • Assist in training Broker Networks and Distributors on all of our product lines and assist them with training meetings with our customers.
    • Drive sales/margin results, new product introductions, training meetings, FoodHandler administrative activities & end-user work on the streets.
  • Market Assessment & Penetration
    • End-user market penetration of FoodHandler’s focused markets.
    • Distribution market penetration of FoodHandler’s focused customers.
    • Assessing and penetrating Foodhandler’s competition.
  • Develop strong relationships with both external (Customers) and internal resources (Foodhandler personnel & departments) to drive and execute results.
  • Demonstrate solution selling approach utilizing all of FoodHandler’s differentiators for our Broker Networks, Distribution & End-user markets.

Accountabilities

  • Achieve sales revenue and margin targets.
  • Build and retain relationships with Broker Networks, Distributors and end user accounts.
  • Understand and be able to communicate Foodhandler’s value proposition and strategic positioning in marketplace.
  • Work with Director to perform required sales management tasks (Pricing, forecasting, account penetration and planning, margin enhancement by selling mix, etc.)

      Requirements:

      • High school diploma or GED Required.
      • Bachelor’s degree in a business related field preferred.
      • 3+ years selling in a business-to-business, outside sales/ territory management role.
      • Experience selling in the manufacturer/distribution concerning Foodservice & Healthcare Industry preferred.
      • Influencing and negotiating skills.
      • Consultative selling experience and ability to position solutions at an executive level.
      • Customer focus and ability to build long-term partnered relationships.
      • Self-motivator with the ability to work independently with spirit.
      • Currently have (and able to maintain) a valid U.S. driver’s license.

      What's in it for you?

      The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.

      • Bunzl target salary range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000 (+15% annual bonus at target and car allowance) based on education, experience and location.
      • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available to employees and eligible dependents starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment
      • 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match of $0.75 per $1.00 contributed, up to 6% of eligible pay, available after 30 days.
      • Paid time off, including (Pro-rated based on hire date):
        • 10 vacation days and 2 personal days annually (prorated in the first year based on hire date).
        • 40 hours sick for exempt | 56 hours sick for non-exempt per year, in accordance with Washington State law.
        • 6 paid national holidays and 2 floating holidays
      • Any leave required under federal, state, or local law, as applicable, such as leave under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
      • Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks.
      • Bunzl accepts applications for a minimum of 10 business days.

        Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non-Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to sales in excess of $10 billion. Bunzl North America is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Bunzl North America owns and operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 5,000 employees and 400,000 plus supplies, Bunzl is regarded as a leading supplier in North America.

        Click here to view the Employee and Applicant Privacy Policy

        Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.


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