Foodservice Sales Intern

Austin Community College; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Foodservice Sales & Marketing Intern for an 8-week program in Charlotte, NC. The role offers hands-on experience in foodservice sales, marketing, and client relations. The ideal candidate is a degree-seeking student with a creative mindset, proficient in Microsoft Office, and able to collaborate with various teams. This internship includes a typical schedule from Monday to Friday and may require up to 20% travel. Apply now to gain valuable skills in the foodservice industry!

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree relevant to business or marketing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food samples for sales meetings.
• Assist with data entry in CRM systems.
• Conduct research on industry trends and competitors.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong verbal and written communication

Creative mindset

Data analysis skills

Time management skills

Education

Currently pursuing a degree in Business Management, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Canva

Adobe Suite

Job description

We are seeking a passionate and professional student with an entrepreneurial spirit to join our team as a Foodservice Sales & Marketing Intern. This internship is designed for students pursuing credit toward their degree while gaining hands‑on experience in foodservice sales, marketing, and client relations. The ideal candidate is creative, enthusiastic about food, and ready to support local sales teams with a range of responsibilities.

Internship timeline: 8‑week program June 1st through July 24th

Who We Are:

Great Place to Work Certified | Your Bridge to Success | Why Our People Love Affinity Group

Affinity Group is a leading foodservice sales and marketing agency that brings decades of expertise and a localized, consultative approach to driving brand awareness and increasing market demand for our clients. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in various departments—Marketing, Data Analytics, Culinary, and Sales—while gaining valuable real‑world experience.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare and present food samples for sales meetings and operator presentations.
• Participate in product‑focused sales calls alongside the local sales team.
• Assist with data entry and management within CRM systems.
• Contribute to the development of marketing materials, including brochures, presentations, and sales collateral.
• Conduct research on industry trends, competitors, and market strategies to improve marketing effectiveness using the Data Essential platform.
• Provide on‑site support at food shows, sales meetings, and operator presentations.
• Support warehouse operations by organizing and preparing products for sales activities.
• Collaborate with corporate teams, including Marketing, Culinary, and Data Analytics, to gain a well‑rounded understanding of our business.

What to expect:

• Typical work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
• Duration: 8–10 weeks, depending on curriculum requirements.
• Approximately 70% dedicated to sales, 15% to marketing, and 15% to client management.
• May require travel up to 20% of the time with sales reps to client meetings and food shows.
• Opportunities to gain hands‑on experience in sales, marketing, and client management.
• Work closely with a supportive, experienced team passionate about food and innovation.
• Internships will be paid.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Business Management, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel); familiarity with design tools like Canva or Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Ability to analyze data in Power BI, forecast predictions, and propose solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally at all levels.
• Creative mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Self‑motivated and driven to succeed, demonstrating a proactive approach to tasks and ownership of responsibilities.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.
• Comfortable with physical aspects of the role, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation; travel to assigned locations required.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just an internship—it’s a chance to build real‑world skills, gain exposure to the foodservice industry, and be part of a team that thrives on creativity and collaboration. You'll develop a deeper understanding of how we drive growth for our clients while building relationships with industry professionals.