1

Food Service Sales Rep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Outside Sales Representative

Peoria, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us ... As an Outside Food Sales Representative, you will cultivate relationships, develop new business ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Service Sales Rep information

See salary details

$23K

$61.4K

$108.5K

How much do food service sales rep jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for food service sales rep in the United States is $61,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Food Service Sales Rep typically collaborate with chefs and restaurant managers to tailor product offerings?

Food Service Sales Reps frequently work closely with chefs and restaurant managers to understand their unique menu needs, seasonal trends, and budget constraints. This collaboration often involves tasting sessions, product demonstrations, and discussions about upcoming promotions or menu changes. By maintaining regular communication and providing insights on new products or industry trends, sales reps can recommend customized solutions that help clients improve efficiency and enhance their offerings. Building these strong relationships not only supports client success but also drives long-term sales growth.

What is the difference between Food Service Sales Rep vs Food Service Account Manager?

AspectFood Service Sales RepFood Service Account Manager
CredentialsSales experience, sometimes industry-specific certificationsSales experience, industry certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentField sales, client meetings, trade showsClient management, ongoing relationship building
Employer & Industry UsageFood service distributors, manufacturersFood service distributors, manufacturers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding sales roles, job opportunitiesManaging client accounts, career growth

The main difference is that a Food Service Sales Rep primarily focuses on acquiring new clients and sales outreach, while a Food Service Account Manager emphasizes maintaining and growing existing client relationships. Both roles require sales skills and industry knowledge but differ in their daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Sales Representative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Sales Rep, you need strong sales acumen, market knowledge, and a background in hospitality or food service, often supported by a relevant degree or experience. Familiarity with CRM software, order management systems, and industry-specific platforms is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and resilience make someone stand out in this client-facing role. These skills are vital for building lasting client relationships, achieving sales targets, and driving business growth in a competitive market.

What does a Food Service Sales Rep do?

A Food Service Sales Representative is responsible for selling food and beverage products to restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service establishments. They build relationships with clients, identify their product needs, and provide solutions to help them succeed. Their duties often include presenting new products, negotiating pricing, processing orders, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Food Service Sales Reps play a key role in growing their company's market presence and maintaining long-term customer partnerships.
More about Food Service Sales Rep jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Service Sales Rep jobs? Cities with the most Food Service Sales Rep job openings:
What states have the most Food Service Sales Rep jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service Sales Rep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Sales Rep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Sales Rep jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Service Sales Rep job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,448 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Sales Representative (Food Service)

Palmer Food Service

Buffalo, NY โ€ข On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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:

  • Executes the Account Management Program including sales planning, controls and sales reports consisting of:
    • Weekly business development plan and updates for District Sales Manager
    • Account list (core, target and prospect, grouped by โ€œopportunityโ€)
    • Producing, maintaining and using an account management binder with new and existing account profile sheets and updating same. The account management binder should contain sales presentation materials, samples, customer records, forms etc.
    • District Sales Representative has the authority to manage their accounts in a fashion consistent with established company policies, ethics, and pricing.
  • Establishes a personal planning calendar to manage his/her time:
    • 80 % direct sales in the field
    • 10 % phone sales to customers
    • 10 % administrative time (paperwork, pre call planning, invoices, expenses, emails, A/R etc).
  • Takes responsibility for developing a complete understanding of each of our product lines including various applications and benefits. Conveys this knowledge to customers with a high degree of skill and proficiency.
  • Works through proper company channels to complete all quotes and orders. Takes responsibility for learning company procedures concerning pricing, purchasing, credit and delivery. Understands his/her limits of authority and seeks approval where necessary.
  • Works with the District Sales Manager to plan weekly activity so that the โ€œcoreโ€ accounts are maintained properly; the agreed โ€œtargetโ€ accounts are fully penetrated using a broad-line category management approach; and an ongoing โ€œprospectโ€ list is built up. Stays in regular contact with the key people in these accounts. Initiates and makes cold calls on a planned basis to enhance exposure to new situations and opportunities. Keeps management informed of all competitive activity.
  • Makes customer calls as required. Also performs โ€œRide-withsโ€ utilizing management, and or suppliers who may serve in a training capacity or assist in selling key accounts.
  • Budgeting and measuring results, prepares unit and dollar forecast upon request with assumptions on activities to achieve forecasts.
  • Attends all sales meetings, sales forums and trade shows as requested. Participates fully in all company promotions and contests.
  • Responsible for all Accounts Receivable collections in their assigned area and schedules biweekly meetings with Credit Department to review status per account.
  • Assists and cooperates with Customer Service personnel as workload requires or is requested.
  • Overnight travel is required about 5% of the time for trainings, trade shows, etc.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned by the Company management.

Qualifications:

  • 3+ years outside sales experience, preferably in a business-to-business sales organization.
  • High school diploma or GED, with some college experience preferred, but not required.
  • Food service or culinary experience is required.
  • Clean driving record and a valid Driver license
  • Makes strong and effective one on one sales presentations.
  • Maximizes results by systematically managing an account plan.

Salary:

  • $65,000- $100,000/ a year

Physical Demands:

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

  • Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, sit, drive.
  • Must be able to use hands to handle, feel, finger; reach with hands and arms, see, talk and hear.
  • Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs; periodically lift and carry 80-100 lbs. must be able to walk up and down the stairs carrying products with weights described above.
  • Possess normal vision with or without correction and able to distinguish colors
  • Possess fluent speech in English, writing and communication skills necessary to effectively carry out job functions
  • Must be able to read and comprehend work related materials, numerical data and diagrams.
  • Must be able to sit and drive a car/truck for extended periods of time on a daily basis (4-5 hours on average).

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