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Food Sales Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Food Sales information

What is a food sales job?

Food sales jobs involve selling food products to customers, which can include retailers, restaurants, wholesalers, or directly to consumers. These roles may include positions such as sales representatives, account managers, or sales executives within food manufacturing or distribution companies. Food sales professionals are responsible for building relationships with clients, promoting products, negotiating contracts, and meeting sales targets. They often need knowledge of food industry trends, product specifications, and supply chain logistics. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the qualifications to get a food sales job?

The qualifications to get a food sales job start with a high school diploma or GED certificate. You can start many sales jobs with just a diploma, although previous experience in retail stores or restaurants is often useful. To move up in food sales, you may need to have several years of sales experience or an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration. In addition to these qualifications, you need to have excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, good analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to travel for work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food sales, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Sales, you need strong product knowledge, sales techniques, and an understanding of food safety and regulations, often supported by experience in the food industry or a relevant degree. Familiarity with CRM software, inventory management systems, and point-of-sale tools is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help you connect with clients and close deals. These skills ensure effective sales performance, regulatory compliance, and the ability to build lasting customer partnerships in a competitive market.

What are common challenges faced in a food sales role and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Food Sales often encounter challenges such as fluctuating market demand, strict food safety regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with clients. Adapting to changing customer preferences and seasonal trends requires staying informed and flexible. Additionally, collaborating closely with distribution and logistics teams ensures timely delivery and product quality, while regular communication with clients helps address concerns proactively. Building product knowledge and leveraging CRM tools can help overcome these challenges and drive long-term success.

What is the difference between Food Sales vs Food Service?

AspectFood SalesFood Service
Primary RoleSelling food products to retailers, wholesalers, or consumersPreparing, serving, and providing food to customers in restaurants, cafes, or catering
Work EnvironmentOffices, sales meetings, retail storesRestaurants, cafes, catering events
Required CredentialsSales experience, knowledge of food products, sometimes certifications in food safetyFood safety certifications, culinary training often preferred
Industry UsageCommonly used in food manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sectorsPrimarily in hospitality and food service establishments

Food Sales focuses on selling food products and building client relationships, often in a retail or wholesale setting. Food Service involves preparing and serving food directly to customers in dining environments. While both roles require knowledge of food, Food Sales emphasizes sales skills, whereas Food Service emphasizes culinary and customer service skills.

How to get into food sales?

To get into food sales, candidates typically need strong communication and negotiation skills, experience in sales or the food industry, and a good understanding of product offerings. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and some roles may prefer or require a bachelor's degree or relevant certifications. Building a network within the food industry and gaining experience through entry-level sales positions can also improve job prospects.
More about Food Sales jobs

What job categories do people searching Food Sales jobs in Rochester Hills, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Sales jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:

What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Food Sales jobs?

Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Food Sales job openings:

Food Sales jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Sales job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

Detroit, MI • On-site

Affinity Group
See more jobs at Affinity Groupexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

K-12 Sales Specialist - Michigan
About Affinity Group
Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies in North America. We represent highly recognizable brands in the industry. Our team brings a consultative, localized approach to drive market growth and build meaningful partnerships within the K-12 school nutrition segment
Role Overview
We are seeking a results-driven, relationship-focused K-12 Sales Specialist to expand our market share across Michigan. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our other Sales Team members and the K12 Specialist in Western Michigan to champion our clients' products by partnering directly with school nutrition teams and distributors to increase menu frequency. This is a consultative sales position ideal for someone who is proactive, professional, and passionate about school nutrition and relationship-based selling.
A Typical Week Includes
  • Strategy & Execution: Schedule and conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors. Sampling products and prepared recipes is key!
  • Pipeline Management: Handle prospecting, lead generation, and track sales activity within our industry leading AI NXT/CRM system to meet trimester sales goals.
  • Culinary Engagement: Organize and lead taste-testing events and food presentations at district and state levels.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Bid Team and Senior Director to analyze school bids and build competitive proposals.
  • Relationship Building: Serve as a trusted advisor to school nutrition leaders while responding to client inquiries timely.
What We Are Looking For
  • Experience: 2-5 years in foodservice sales, food brokerage, or school operations preferred.
  • Core Skills: Proven track record in relationship selling, influencing buyers, and closing deals.
  • Communication: Exceptional presentation, public speaking, and persuasion capabilities.
  • Mindset: A creative, growth-oriented professional with a genuine passion for food and menu innovation. Embracing innovation is key to success.
Requirements & Schedule
  • Travel: Weekly travel across Michigan with occasional regional air travel.
  • License: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
  • Schedule: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with flexibility to support customer needs. Expect 10-15 evening/weekend events annually.
  • Tech Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting tools (Teams/Zoom), and CRM platforms.
  • Physical Ability: Ability to stand for long periods and safely lift 20-50 lbs during food shows.
Bonus Points
  • Associate or bachelor's degree.
  • Direct experience working with K-12 School Nutrition Programs.
  • Advanced familiarity with modern sales technology platforms.
Perks & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus incentives.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan and disability benefits.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
  • Corporate employee discounts.

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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