Field Sales Representative

Gourmet International; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialty food distributor is seeking a full-time Field Sales Representative covering Chicago and suburbs. The role involves managing client relationships, executing promotional plans, and driving sales in the food sector. Candidates should have 1-5 years of relevant experience and strong communication skills. A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are required for daily travel.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build trust through in-person engagement.
• Excellent verbal communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail for order accuracy, reporting, and follow-through.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote, field-based role.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for daily travel.

Responsibilities

• Communicate pricing and promotional plans for specific customers.
• Facilitate the customers’ ordering and fulfillment process.
• Identify and present brands/items that will complement the customer’s current assortment.
• Execute merchandising and promotional plans.
• Seek out and approach new customer opportunities.

Skills

Strong initiative and communication proficiency

Organizational and record-keeping skills

Analysis and problem-solving skills

Performance and results driven

Education

1–5 years of sales or experience in the food industry

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Gourmet International Ltd. imports & distributes fine quality specialty foods & confections throughout the United States. Our valued customers include Supermarkets and Traditional Grocers, Gourmet retailers, Specialty Food Distributors, Alternate Home & Houseware retailers, Military channels, Confection and Specialty retailers, Gift Basket suppliers and more.

SUMMARY

This is a full‑time role as a Field Sales Representative with Gourmet International covering the Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs. The Sales Representative will be responsible for planning, promoting and selling the organization’s food and confection assortment to a local audience of customers including Grocers, Gourmet Food Retailers, Independent Retailers and more. This role is designed for a self‑motivated individual who can work independently to own the Customer and territory development from end to end. As the main point of contact for customers, you will ensure alignment with Assortment & Brand objectives, drive structured promotional and seasonal programs, facilitate the Customer ordering process, and provide support across the region. This position requires a dedicated and tactical thinker who can build Customer relationships and trust on behalf of the company with limited daily supervision. There is an expectation that with projected growth, the responsibilities and scope of the position will grow to include new opportunities for development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicate pricing and promotional plans for specific customers.
• Weekly facilitation of the customers’ ordering and fulfillment process.
• Identify and present brands/items that will complement the customer’s current assortment.
• Execute merchandising and promotional plans on current product lines and new item introductions.
• Guide customers to meet critical deadlines for seasonal and pre‑book programs.
• Seek out and approach new customer opportunities within the territory.

CROSS‑FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Work in conjunction with Customer Service and Operations to facilitate an efficient customer experience.
• Maintain authorized product assortment files to ensure all customers have up‑to‑date item information and specifications.
• Ensure sales & marketing objectives, new items and programs are presented to customers in a timely fashion.
• Liaison with other departments at Gourmet International as needed for issues that need to be addressed between departments, i.e., Operations, Purchasing, Finance.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong initiative and communication proficiency
• Organizational and record‑keeping skills
• Analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Performance and results driven

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a professional sales environment which includes weekly travel and interaction with customers on site.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Hybrid role with home office time and local travel commitments daily by car.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while traveling, working on a computer, participating in video calls, or conducting meetings.
• Light lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be required for preparing for customer meetings, sales presentations, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

1–5 years of sales or experience in the food industry, preferably with specialty foods and experience in grocery, retail, or perishable food environments.

• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build trust through in‑person engagement.
• Excellent verbal communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail for order accuracy, reporting, and follow‑through.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently in a remote, field‑based role.
• Comfortable using CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite (or willing to learn).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for daily travel.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic customer relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Willingness to travel as required and work flexible hours to accommodate customer needs.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO STATEMENT

EEO statement Gourmet International believes that all people are entitled to equal employment opportunity. We follow state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment. We will recruit, hire and promote, for all job classifications, without regard to race, color, sex, nationality, religion, familial status, Vietnam Era Veterans Status, or physical or mental disability, to the extent required by law.