Operator (Customer) Sales Representative – North/Western Illinois + Chicago Suburbs

CJ Schwan's, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

We are hiring an early career Operator (Customer) Sales Representative who will be responsible for driving incremental volume growth and sustaining existing volume in foodservice accounts in the north/western suburbs of Chicago. Work from home office in the north Chicagoland or northern IL/Southern WI area. If you are a go-getter, enjoy getting in front of customers and love eating and being around food this is your dream job!

Responsibilities:

• Maximize Commercial and Non-Commercial sales (Healthcare, College & University, Recreation, Business & Industry, and K-12 Schools foodservice operators/Bids) for approximately 60+ accounts in assigned territory by effectively penetrating accounts, driving contract compliance, and increasing sales
• Collaborate with Regional Sales Manager and Territory Sales Reps within the designated zone to coordinate sales activities at the customer account level
• Develop operator business plans in conjunction with market plans
• Support and executes product presentations and demonstrations in commercial foodservice kitchens
• Attend Sales Meetings, Training Sessions, Food Shows, and industry events to network with prospective accounts
• Ensure accurate operator sales activity is recorded via centralized reporting system, Salesforce.com
• Follow sales process that includes gathering information, uncovering needs, presenting features and benefits, providing solutions, and closing sale with focus on approximately 60+ assigned operators
• Travel required in assigned territory at least four days per week
• Support distributor and operator events in the surrounding area
• Overnight Travel is up to 20% in assigned market area.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Culinary Arts degree and 1 year of experience including internships in the food service industry

Preferred Qualifications:

• Foodservice sales experience
• Previous experience conducting sales calls in commercial kitchens and preparing food as part of the sales process
• Current relationships in foodservice sales with distribution and/or operators

Compensation and Benefits:

The national base salary range for this position is $47,250 – $78,750 annually with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan’s Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [email protected]

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Years of Experience: 0-1 year food service sales industry experience

Education: Bachelors degree or Culinary Arts degree required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: PASSION for food!; Must be a self-starter, possess a high bias for action, and be comfortable working autonomously; Culinary experience preferred. You WILL be conducting sales calls in commercial kitchens and preparing food as partof the sales process; Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and sales CRM system; Demonstrated ability to build business relationships with strong written and verbal communication skills; Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset; Ability to travel for training needs and within territory; Home office is required; Acts with integrity and accepts coaching direction; Comfortable presenting information in group settings to a wide variety of audiences.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.