Food Service Sales Representative

Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI); Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeland Marketing in Portland, OR is seeking a Food Service Sales professional to manage and grow accounts in the food service sector. This full-time, on-site role requires presenting product solutions tailored to client operations and coordinating demonstrations and tastings with culinary staff.

You will travel within the region, build strong client relationships, monitor market trends, and collaborate with Corporate Chefs and Marketing to support promotions and menu development, all while

Qualifications

• Background in food service operations and understanding of industry trends.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for client relationships.
• Experience with product demonstrations and culinary staff discussions.
• Knowledge of food safety principles and regulations.
• Sales, account management, or business development experience in food service.
• Willingness to on-site work and travel within the region.
• Proficiency with basic office software and CRM tools.
• High school diploma; post-secondary education in Business/Hospitality/Culinary Arts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow accounts within the food service sector.
• Build and maintain client relationships and present product solutions.
• Conduct sales calls and in-person visits.
• Coordinate product demonstrations and tastings.
• Collaborate with Corporate Chefs and Marketing to support promotions and menu development.
• Monitor market trends and provide feedback on customer needs.
• Prepare sales reports and ensure compliance with food safety standards and company policies.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Presentation skills

Sales experience

Account management experience

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary education in Business/Hospitality/Culinary Arts

Tools

CRM tools

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

Lakeland Marketing serves the food service industry across 28 regional markets through locally owned offices that emphasize accountability, strong regional relationships, and measurable results. The organization includes Management, Sales Representatives, Corporate Chefs, Administrative and Customer Support staff, and a Marketing and Advertising department, providing integrated services for its partners. The company focuses on building a solid foundation for regional foodservice sales while standardizing vendor representation to strengthen its presence. Lakeland Marketing is committed to expanding into new markets each year, offering growth opportunities and a dynamic environment for team members.

Role Description

The Food Service Sales role is a full-time, on-site position based in Portland, OR. In this role, the team member will manage and grow accounts within the food service sector, build and maintain relationships with clients, and present product solutions tailored to their operational needs. Daily responsibilities include conducting sales calls and in-person visits, coordinating product demonstrations and tastings, and collaborating with Corporate Chefs and Marketing to support promotions and menu development. The role also involves monitoring market trends, providing feedback on customer needs, preparing sales reports, and ensuring that all activities align with food safety standards and company policies.

Qualifications

• Background in food service operations with an understanding of industry trends and customer needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Practical experience with food preparation and cooking to support product demonstrations and discussions with culinary staff.
• Knowledge of food safety principles and regulations to ensure compliant presentations and recommendations.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated sales, account management, or business development experience, preferably in food service or related industries.
• Ability to work on-site, travel within the region as needed, and manage time across multiple accounts.
• Proficiency with basic office software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, presentations) and CRM tools is beneficial.
• High school diploma required; post-secondary education in Business, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or a related field is a plus.