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Food Broker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Affinity Group

K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

MD · On-site

This position is deeply knowledgeable in key account segment and builds and maintains close relationships with the Food Service Directors and the Chefs at all assigned operators. The Segment ...

Affinity Group

K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

This position is deeply knowledgeable in key account segment and builds and maintains close relationships with the Food Service Directors and the Chefs at all assigned operators. The Segment ...

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$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do food broker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for food broker in the United States is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are food brokers?

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 does a food broker do?

A food broker acts as an intermediary between food manufacturers and retailers or distributors, helping to promote and sell food products. They negotiate contracts, arrange product placements, and often have knowledge of industry regulations and sales strategies to expand market reach.

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 much do food brokers make in the US?

Food brokers in the US typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning higher. Compensation often includes commissions or bonuses based on sales performance, and strong negotiation and industry knowledge can impact earnings.

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.

What is the highest paid type of broker?

In the brokerage industry, investment brokers such as stock or securities brokers tend to earn the highest salaries, especially those working in investment banking or managing high-net-worth clients. Their compensation often includes commissions, bonuses, and profit sharing, which can significantly increase earnings compared to other types of brokers like insurance or real estate brokers.

How to become a grocery broker?

To become a grocery broker, you typically need sales experience, knowledge of the food industry, and strong networking skills. Many brokers start by working in sales or distribution roles, then build relationships with grocery stores and suppliers. Some may pursue industry certifications or training programs to enhance their credibility and understanding of product categories.
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Food Broker jobs near you
Chain Account Specialist (Food Broker)

Chain Account Specialist (Food Broker)

Affinity Group

Denver, CO • On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF POSITION:
The Chain Account Specialist is responsible for developing and executing customized selling strategies for assigned multi-unit chain restaurant accounts. This role requires a minimum of 3 years of wholesale foodservice experience, with outside sales account management experience required. Culinary experience is a plus.
This position reports to the market Executive Vice President and requires prior experience in outside sales (preferred), account management, relationship management, direct or indirect sales, business development, or business-to-business sales. The ideal candidate is collaborative yet capable of operating independently, prioritizing daily activity with minimal oversight.
Success in this role depends on a savvy, consultative selling approach that builds trust, delivers value, and drives long-term partnerships with multi-unit chain customers.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Sales Strategy & Business Development
  • Develop and execute customized business selling strategies for assigned multi-unit chain restaurant accounts.
  • Prospect and hunt for new business within a defined territory of accounts, supported by Marketing and Business Intelligence resources.
  • Influence key decision-makers and stakeholders without direct authority in multi-unit restaurant chains.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of product differentiators and the competitive landscape to drive strategic selling conversations.

Chain Account & Relationship Management
  • Establish strong relationships and demonstrate a consultative selling approach with key stakeholders and decision-makers at multi-unit chain restaurant organizations.
  • Develop trust-based partnerships with chain accounts through solution-based selling and consistent engagement.
  • Act as a strategic resource to chef-driven, culinary, and operational teams within chain restaurant organizations.

Sales Execution & Customer Solutions
  • Develop creative, customer-focused solutions for restaurant chefs, culinarians, and on-site operators.
  • Prepare or learn how to properly cook food products and design menu combinations in support of the selling cycle.
  • Collaborate with local market leadership and cross-functional sales support teams to execute a robust market penetration strategy.

Pipeline Management, CRM & Forecasting
  • Maintain detailed and accurate CRM records, logging every customer interaction and sales activity.
  • Manage sales pipeline and activity with the ability to accurately forecast performance.
  • Utilize CRM insights to evaluate what strategies are working and identify opportunities for improvement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Minimum 3 years of foodservice experience required.
  • Proven experience in sales and business development, including calling on key accounts, prospecting, and pipeline management.
  • Strong discipline and ability to develop, execute, and follow a structured sales plan.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence others and drive change without authority.
  • Relationship-focused professional with a proactive, positive attitude.
  • Strong teamwork skills with the ability to partner across diverse teams and remain highly teachable.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean motor vehicle record; position requires daily travel by personal vehicle.

COMPETENCIES
  • Consultative Selling: Ability to uncover customer needs, recommend value-based solutions, and position products as strategic solutions for multi-unit chain customers.
  • Sales Acumen: Demonstrated capability in business development, account growth, pipeline management, and revenue forecasting within foodservice or B2B sales environments.
  • Relationship Management: Skilled at building trust-based relationships with executive stakeholders, operators, chefs, and decision-makers across multi-unit organizations.
  • Influence Without Authority: Effective communicator who can align stakeholders, drive decisions, and gain buy-in without direct reporting relationships.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop customized selling strategies, assess competitive landscapes, and adapt approaches based on account needs.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with cross-functional partners including leadership, marketing, and sales support teams.
  • Discipline & Organization: Strong time management, territory planning, and CRM discipline to drive consistent execution and results.
  • Culinary & Product Aptitude: Willingness and ability to learn product preparation, menu applications, and culinary solutions to support the sales process.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable operating independently while adjusting priorities in a fast-paced, sales-driven environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Typical work week: Monday - Friday.
  • During food trade show seasons, ability to stand for extended periods is required.
  • Must be able to safely lift case goods and materials up to 50 lbs.
  • Daily motor vehicle travel is required to visit assigned customer locations.
  • Pay Range $90,000-$110,000

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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