1

Food Service Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Service Consultant information

See salary details

$10

$47

$97

How much do food service consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service consultant in the United States is $47.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $66.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service consultant?

Food service consultants are professionals who provide expert advice and guidance to restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service operations. Their services often include menu planning, kitchen and facility design, operational efficiency, food safety, and cost control. They help clients improve food quality, streamline processes, and increase profitability, drawing on industry knowledge and best practices. Food service consultants may work independently or as part of a consulting firm, supporting both new ventures and established businesses.

What are some common challenges food service consultants face when working with clients to improve operations?

Food Service Consultants often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from staff, limited budgets for implementing new solutions, and balancing client expectations with industry best practices. Navigating these obstacles requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Consultants typically collaborate closely with kitchen staff, management, and sometimes architects or equipment suppliers to ensure that their recommendations are practical, cost-effective, and tailored to the unique needs of each client.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Consultant, you need expertise in food safety regulations, menu planning, and operational efficiency, often supported by a degree in hospitality management or culinary arts. Familiarity with industry-standard software for inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set top consultants apart when advising clients and training staff. These skills ensure clients receive practical, compliant, and innovative solutions that drive profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Food Service Consultant vs Food Service Manager?

AspectFood Service ConsultantFood Service Manager
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP), industry experienceFood safety certifications, management training, experience in restaurant operations
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, client sites, corporate officesRestaurant, hotel, or institutional food service settings
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting companies, food service providers, hospitality industryRestaurants, hotels, catering services, institutional food services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding consulting roles, industry advice, career optionsManaging food operations, staff, and customer service

While both roles focus on food service, a Food Service Consultant provides expert advice and solutions to improve operations, whereas a Food Service Manager oversees daily restaurant or food service operations directly. The consultant typically works across multiple clients, offering strategic guidance, while the manager handles on-site management and staff supervision.

Do restaurant food service consultants make good money?

Food service consultants in the restaurant industry typically earn salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Senior consultants or those with specialized skills can earn higher incomes, especially if they work independently or have a strong client base.

How do you become a food service consultant?

To become a food service consultant, individuals typically need experience in the food service industry, such as working in restaurants or catering, along with knowledge of food safety, operations, and management. Earning relevant certifications or degrees in hospitality, culinary arts, or business can enhance credibility, and strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for advising clients effectively.
More about Food Service Consultant jobs

What cities are hiring for Food Service Consultant jobs?

Cities with the most Food Service Consultant job openings:

What states have the most Food Service Consultant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Service Consultant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Consultant jobs?

For Food Service Consultant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Service Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,480 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Sales Consultant - Food Service

Elmwood, LA • On-site

Imperial Trading
Food Services and Drinking Places • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Imperial Trading rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Imperial Trading Co., LLC is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Food Service Sales Consultant to join the New Orleans, LA Team!  While working in and adjacent to the South Louisiana and Mississippi region, if chosen, motivated, skilled Consultants will focus on specific convenience store chains as well as new business while working in conjunction with the multiple departments and company locations.  The Sales Consultant (Food Service) plays a crucial role in driving revenue growth within the wholesale trade sector by establishing and nurturing relationships with food service clients.  This position is responsible for understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions that enhance their operational efficiency and profitability.  The consultant will analyze market trends and competitor offerings to position our products effectively, ensuring that clients receive the best value. By collaborating with internal teams, the consultant will facilitate seamless order processing and delivery, ensuring customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the success of this role contributes significantly to the overall performance and reputation of our company in the food service industry.  We are proud that our Company has been in business for more than 100 years and continues to expand as one of the nation's largest food distributors.  It is an exciting time to join the Imperial Team!

Location:        South Louisiana and Mississippi Region 

BENEFITS: 

  • Competitive Medical, Dental, & Vision packages
  • Employer paid basic life policy with competitive buy-up options
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: With a primary focus on Food Service Sales, employees must plan, organize and effectively execute sales strategies for assigned accounts consistent with current company sales initiatives while achieving sales growth and profitability objectives. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in sales, preferably within the food service or wholesale trade industry.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience with CRM software and/or sales analytics tools.
  • Knowledge of food service industry trends and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are listed below.   Additional duties which are necessary to carry out the function of the Sales Consultant – Food Service position may be assigned and are incorporated by reference into this job description as follows: 

  • Responsible for maintaining proficiency with current computer technology and all hardware and software in order to effectively perform all duties and responsibilities as assigned in this job description; 
  • Responsible for effectively resolving all customer issues and opportunities including timely notification to supervisor, Sales Support Manager, affected departments and personnel; timely an on-going follow up required to all parties to ensure successful resolution;    
  • Responsible for creating and implementing business development initiatives inside all assigned accounts consistent with company food service sales and profit directives; 
  • Responsible for the outside sales of food service-related programs and equipment to customers at their place of business including, but not limited to, the installation food service equipment;  
  • Responsible for meeting with customers to discuss profitability opportunities with current and new food programs;  
  • Responsible for training customers on foodservice programs;                
  • Responsible for assisting the credit department with collections as well as any additional matters related to accounts receivable retail issues; 
  • Responsible for working with the appropriate Retail Service Representative or Sales Admin personnel to resolve issues for all assigned accounts; 
  • Responsible for presenting and adding new products, programs and promotions, to all assigned accounts on a regular basis consistent with company sales and profit objectives; required to close retail distribution voids on priority products and programs; responsible and held accountable for accurate sales forecasting; 
  • Responsible to identify, analyze and provide written business plan to supervisor on under-performing sales and profit accounts; required to regularly and timely monitor account sales and profit purchase compliance to goals; identifying and implementing corrective actions to supervisor for non-compliant accounts; 
  • Responsible for efficient and timely responses in order to effectively manage changes of customer payments that may negatively affect accounts receivable; 
  • Required to timely notify supervisor and management of any issues pertaining to account pricing issues or competitive proposals; 
  • Responsible for creating and maintaining a plan for timely and regular visits at customer chain head quarter, chain store locations and all assigned independent accounts and develop effective relationships with decision makers and/or store level management and personnel; 
  • Responsible for attending sales meetings and company functions; 
  • Customarily and is regularly engaged away from the Company’s place or places of business;  
  • Responsible for all duties as detailed in the Business Development Job Description; 
  • Reports to work, meetings, and scheduled business affairs on time, as directed by supervisor and completes above listed tasks in a competent manner; 

All personnel within this job description shall be subject to cross-training into jobs within the organization based on Company needs. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands of this job include light physical activity performing somewhat strenuous activities of an administrative, productive and/or technical nature that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  To perform the functions of this job the employee must regularly stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, use hands to touch, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  

The employee must regularly lift 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.                 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here a representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The employee must occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions and in wet, humid conditions.  The noise level of the work environment is moderate.  The noise level of the work environment is moderate. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY: 

Imperial Trading Co., LLC’s hiring, and employment practices are based on job qualifications, performance, and/or conduct without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: 

All employees of the Company are employees’ at-will and, as such, are free to resign at any time without reason.  The Company, likewise, retains the right to terminate an employee's employment at any time with or without reason or notice.  Nothing contained in the Employee Handbook, or any document provided to the employee is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period.  Any salary figures provided to an employee in annual or monthly terms are stated for the sake of convenience or to facilitate comparisons and are not intended and do not create an employment contract for any specific period.


What Imperial Trading employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom