Client Services Representative

Food For Thought - Chicago; Lincolnwood (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

FFT University

Employee Meal Plan

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Food For Thought - Chicago is seeking a Client Services Representative in Lincolnwood, IL. You will support a Senior Sales Consultant and the Director of Workspace Solutions, managing client relationships, coordinating workplace hospitality programs, and driving new business opportunities.

The role requires strong communication skills, experience in catering or food service, and comfort with CRM systems and catering software.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of catering or food service customer service experience.
• Excellent communication, people and networking skills.
• Ability to learn catering software (CaterXpert a plus).
• Experience with a CRM system a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Team player in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in business development and client retention.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming leads, calls, and client inquiries; coordinate timely follow-up.
• Support a Senior Sales Consultant with proposals, order entry, confirmations, and client communications.
• Assist in overseeing managed accounts, maintaining client relationships, and identifying opportunities for repeat business.
• Create tent cards, buffet signage, Canva materials, and other event materials.
• Prepare event details and coordinate with operations and culinary teams for smooth execution.
• Organize business development efforts, prospect outreach, and lead tracking with the Director.

Skills

Excellent communication

People skills

Networking

Catering software

CRM experience

MS Office

Team player

Business development interest

Tools

CaterXpert

MS Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Client Services Representative

Lincolnwood, IL, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1409

Salary: $56,000.00 Annually

Client Services Representative

Full Time - Hybrid (In-Office / Remote) M-F - Lincolnwood, IL

Salary: $56,000 annually + potential year-end bonus

About Workspace Solutions

Food For Thought's Workspace Solutions division partners with businesses to create engaging workplace experiences through food, hospitality, and service. From daily office catering and meetings to managed dining programs and special events, our team delivers customized solutions that support company culture, employee engagement, and lasting client relationships.

As one of our FFT Client Services Representatives, you will support a Senior Sales Consultant and the Director of Workspace Solutions in maintaining strong client relationships, coordinating workplace hospitality programs, and developing new business opportunities. You will be a member of the Workspace Solutions sales team, supporting incoming inquiries, managed accounts, proposals, client communications, and the successful execution of daily catering and workplace programs. You will collaborate with sales, culinary, and operations teams to ensure clients receive attentive service and seamless experiences, while assisting the Director of Workspace Solutions with business development initiatives and ongoing account growth.

Responsibilities

• Responding to incoming leads, calls, and client inquiries, and coordinating timely follow-up.
• Supporting a Senior Sales Consultant with proposals, order entry, confirmations, client communications, and account management.
• Assisting in overseeing managed accounts, maintaining client relationships, and identifying opportunities for repeat business.
• Creating tent cards, buffet signage, Canva materials, and other event-specific client materials.
• Preparing event and program details and communicating with operations and culinary teams to support smooth execution.
• Working with the Director of Workspace Solutions to organize business development efforts, prospect outreach, lead tracking, and new client opportunities.
• Maintaining accurate CRM information, sales activity records, and client follow-up tasks.
• Preparing information for and participating in sales meetings, client meetings, and departmental planning.
• Participating in regular training sessions, skill development, and goal setting.
• Assisting with additional departmental projects and administrative needs as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in the catering or food service industry in a customer service role
• Excellent communication, people and networking skills.
• Ability to learn catering specific software (CaterXpert a plus)
• Experience working with a customer relationship management (CRM) system a plus
• Proficient in MS Office (e.g., WORD, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to thrive and remain even-tempered when faced with a fast-paced environment.
• Team player, ready and willing to assist in departmental projects.
• Interest in business development, client retention, and workplace hospitality programs.

Why We're the Leaders

A rewarding career starts with the right people, the right support, and the opportunity to do work you can be proud of.

At Food For Thought, we know that talented culinary professionals do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and connected to their team.

We are committed to providing a workplace where employees have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Excellent Training: Comprehensive training, clear expectations, and ongoing support to help you succeed in your role.
• Employee Referral Bonuses: Recognition for helping us build a team of talented professionals.
• Flexible Scheduling: Scheduling options that support operational needs while recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Opportunities to strengthen your skills, expand your knowledge, and grow within the organization.
• Competitive Pay: Compensation that recognizes your experience, expertise, and contributions.
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives: Recognition for your dedication and long-term commitment to Food For Thought.

Company Benefits & Perks

At Food For Thought, we believe taking care of our people is essential to building a strong and successful organization. Our benefits and perks are designed to support your well-being, professional development, and future.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance , including spouse and domestic partner coverage
• Medical: Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dental: Guardian
• Vision: VSP
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering support for:
• Mental health and emotional well‑being
• Relationship conflicts
• Childcare and eldercare
• Substance abuse
• Grief and loss
• Assistance for employees and household members
• Three in‑person sessions
• Unlimited phone access
• Parental Leave , with equal benefits for mothers and fathers
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• FFT University , featuring more than 70 courses designed to enhance your professional and personal skills
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts , including pet insurance, entertainment, travel, company discounts, and more

Company Values & Culture

At Food For Thought, our values guide how we operate, how we lead, and how we support one another. We believe exceptional results come from a workplace where people feel respected, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose.

We believe the best results come from working together. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and create an environment where employees can share ideas, provide feedback, and contribute to our collective success.

Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating

We are committed to creating a workplace where every individual feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. We value different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives while maintaining a safe and motivating environment for our teams.

Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

Our commitment extends beyond the food we serve. We prioritize the well‑being of our people, the quality of our products and services, and our responsibility to the environment and the communities we serve. These principles guide our decisions and shape the way we do business.

A Net Positive Organization

We are committed to making a positive impact through responsible business practices, meaningful relationships, and a dedication to leaving our communities and environment better than we found them.

Grow With Us!

At Food For Thought, we believe that a successful career is built on strong relationships, continuous learning, and having the support to do your best work.

That's why instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available to our employees. We invest in professional development, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to grow within our organization.

Our average employee tenure is six years, compared to the U.S. average of 4.2 years and the hospitality industry average of 2.1 years.

We believe this reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to build lasting careers.

Through FFT University and ongoing leadership support, you'll have opportunities to strengthen your skills, share your expertise, and continue developing professionally.

As a Chef Manager, you'll play an important role in building a team that takes pride in its work and creating dining experiences that consistently meet our high standards.

Ready to Grow Your Career with Food For Thought?

We know that exceptional Chef Managers do more than oversee a kitchen. They share their knowledge, support their teams, build trusted relationships, and create dining experiences that bring people together.

Join Food For Thought and build a career where your expertise is appreciated, your team is supported, and your contributions make a difference.

Physical Demands

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, move, reach, grab, and stand for long periods of time, as well as stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb ladders.

The employee will occasionally be required to lift and carry items weighing 40 pounds or more for a moderate distance. The employee is required to use their hands to handle tools, grasp, and control objects, and use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble items.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously exposed to extreme temperatures and works with knives, mincers, and other potentially hazardous tools or equipment.

EEO Statement

Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.