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Food Broker Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Palmer Food Service

Category Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

$65K - $83K/yr

Why Palmer Food Services? We offer competitive wages and a generous benefit package that ... Develops broker/vendor relations to ensure the best products, pricing, and quality are available to ...

Sysco

Produce Specialist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... food shows, industry events) ​ QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience: * Minimum: High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of sales experience within a retail, broker, wholesale or distribution ...

Unum UK

Core Sales Rep

Rochester, NY · On-site

Identify and procure new customer sales opportunities in partnership with brokers in territory * Execute on the annual renewal strategy in support of office renewal goals. * Manage the inforce block ...

Wonder Meats

Regional Sales Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Participate in product training, cuttings, business reviews, food shows and conduct presentations to key existing and new end user customers. * Expose gaps and opportunities with certain operators ...

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All JobsFood Broker JobsFood Broker Jobs in Rochester, NY

Food Broker information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$25.2K

$65.8K

$115.4K

How much do food broker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food broker in Rochester, NY is $65,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food broker?

Food brokers are intermediaries who represent food manufacturers or producers in selling their products to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice operators. They do not take ownership of the products but act as a bridge between producers and buyers, helping to negotiate deals, manage relationships, and ensure that products reach store shelves or restaurant menus. Food brokers use their industry knowledge and contacts to increase product visibility and sales, often working with multiple brands at once. Their services can save manufacturers time and resources while helping retailers find new and popular products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food broker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Broker, you need strong sales skills, market knowledge, and a background in business or food-related industries, often supported by relevant experience or a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CRM software, sales analytics tools, and knowledge of food distribution systems are typically required. Exceptional negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help a Food Broker stand out when connecting manufacturers with retailers. These abilities are crucial for effectively promoting products, securing deals, and driving business growth in a competitive marketplace.

What does a food broker do?

As a food broker, your main responsibilities are to negotiate and sell food products to wholesale retail stores, distributors, or to other food manufacturers who need the raw ingredients you sell to make their own products. Your duties include meeting with manufacturers, producers, or wholesalers to determine their costs and desired sales. You assess current supply and inventory and meet with other wholesalers or retailers hoping to buy your products. Often, you represent several manufacturers or retailers and negotiate multiple deals at a time.

What is the difference between Food Broker vs Food Sales Representative?

AspectFood Broker
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of food industry regulations, sales skills, and sometimes a license or certification in food safety or sales
Work EnvironmentWorks independently or with multiple food manufacturers, often traveling to meet clients and attend trade shows
Employer & Industry UsageHired by food manufacturers or distributors to promote and sell products to retailers and wholesalers

Food brokers act as intermediaries between food producers and retailers, focusing on product promotion and sales. Food sales representatives usually work directly for a specific company, selling their products to clients. While both roles involve sales and industry knowledge, food brokers often handle multiple brands and require strong networking skills, whereas food sales reps focus on a single company's offerings and may have more direct customer relationships.

How does a food broker typically collaborate with manufacturers and retailers to ensure successful product placement?

Food Brokers act as vital intermediaries between food manufacturers and retailers, working closely with both to secure shelf space and optimize product placement. They regularly communicate with manufacturers to understand product features, promotions, and supply capabilities, then present these products to retail buyers, negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with store requirements. Successful Food Brokers often visit retail locations to monitor stock levels and merchandising, troubleshoot issues, and gather market feedback, making strong relationship-building and communication skills essential for the role.

How do food brokers get paid?

Food brokers typically earn commissions based on the sales they generate for manufacturers or suppliers, often receiving a percentage of the wholesale or retail value of the products sold. They may also receive fees for services such as product placement, marketing, or account management, and some work on a retainer or salary basis depending on their agreements. Compensation structures can vary depending on the broker's experience, the scope of their services, and the industry standards.
More about Food Broker jobs
What are popular job titles related to Food Broker jobs in Rochester, NY? For Food Broker jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Broker jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Food Broker jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Broker jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Broker job openings:
Food Broker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Broker job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,788 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Category Manager

Palmer Food Service

Rochester, NY • On-site

$65K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Why Palmer Food Services?

We offer competitive wages and a generous benefit package that contributes a significant amount to your total compensation and your personal well-being. Additionally, there are opportunities to distinguish yourself and move up in our established company through excellent performance and by contributing to our company mission, vision, and values. We value each member of our diverse and talented team - because at Palmer Food Services, our associates are our unfair advantage.

What We Value:

  • Honesty & Integrity
  • Service & Excellence
  • Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Family & Community
  • Dependability & Loyalty
  • Compassion

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Partners with the sales force to grow business, identify opportunities, and ensure that the company has the correct product mix at the most competitive pricing to garner market share.
  • Develops broker/vendor relations to ensure the best products, pricing, and quality are available to the sales force.
  • Creates purchase orders and validates accuracy of pricing, freight, and expected delivery dates.
  • Works with the Accounting department to verify invoice pricing. Resolves any pricing discrepancies with the manufacturer or broker in a timely fashion.
  • Reviews inventory status reports to helps maintain inventory levels and turns according to budget goals for assigned vendors.
  • Ensures service levels (stock levels with subs) maintained at budgeted levels.
  • Monitors and acts on slow moving and dead inventory by working with manufacturer reps/brokers and our sales team to solve issues.
  • Works with Purchasing and Vendor Relations Managers to eliminate slow moving SKU’s and to drive business to our preferred vendor and buying group partners.
  • Works with our internal computer system to monitor goals and margins.
  • Verifies order information, vendor/broker contact information, pricing, and item information for all assigned vendor lines.
  • Reviews margin reports and investigates sales below acceptable levels with Purchasing Manager and Sales Team to determine cause and correct any identified issues if possible.
  • Selects items from categories to participate in weekly fliers as well as seek promotional allowances from vendors to drive category sales and margins.
  • Attends and participates in team meetings, & sales meetings/events as required.
  • Reviews and updates Project & Plans worksheet with Purchasing Manager monthly.
  • Initiates and schedules ride alongs with the Sales Team on a regular basis.
  • Stays informed and up to date on markets/supply chain relevant to your categories/product line. Uses that information to update Palmer Sales Team and Weekly Market Information publication.
  • Attends Industry trade shows as necessary which may require overnight travel.


Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of food related purchasing experience required. Previous food distribution experience preferred.
  • Associates degree in business or related field, or equivalent field experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects and competing priorities simultaneously, work independently, and drive projects to completion with minimum guidance and high attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.


Salary:

  • $65,000- $83,000/ Yearly

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by a Category Manager to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
  • Maybe exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods of time.

Benefits of working Full-Time at Palmer Food Services:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Benefit Time (PTO, Holiday and Sick)
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Employer Matching
  • Eligibility for Annual Profit-Sharing Bonus
  • 15% Employee Discount on Retail Grocery Items (Includes Fresh Meat & Seafood)
  • Associate Discounts on Warehouse Food Products
  • Employee Appreciation Events
  • And much more

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