Customer Development Representative – Field Sales

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Drive the acquisition of new customers and expand existing accounts for CHEF’STORE.

• Act as a reliable partner to foodservice operators on behalf of CHEF’STORE.

• Establish customer relationships and pinpoint product solutions that align with menu, operational, and budgetary requirements.

• Strategically plan and prioritize engagements across restaurants, chains, caterers, institutional kitchens, and hospitality operators.

• Conduct on-site customer visits to identify menu needs, volume requirements, and operational challenges.

• Present product offerings including proteins, produce, dry goods, disposables, and equipment.

• Promote seasonal offerings, new products, and vendor programs.

• Maintain comprehensive product knowledge across various food categories, food safety standards, specifications, pack sizes, and alternatives.

• Analyze purchasing patterns and suggest cost-effective alternatives, order frequency, and strategies to mitigate supply risks.

• Cultivate relationships with chefs, owners, general managers, and purchasing leaders to enhance retention and loyalty.

• Collaborate with store teams and internal stakeholders to facilitate fulfillment, communication, and issue resolution.

• Monitor competitive activities and adjust sales strategies and product focus accordingly.

• Maintain CRM records, track activities, manage pipelines, and follow up on tasks.

• Achieve or surpass sales targets related to case growth, category penetration, revenue, customer card signups, coupon execution, and tracked future shops.

• Frequently travel between customer locations and engage with customers face-to-face.

⛳️ Requirements

• Reliable transportation is necessary.

• Must reside within the designated Region or a neighboring state.

• A minimum of 1 year of leadership experience at CHEF’STORE, or 2 years in food service, retail sales, or a related field, including at least 2 years in supervisory or leadership roles within a retail food service setting.

• Proven track record in driving sales, building robust customer relationships, and providing outstanding customer service and results in customer-facing environments with a diverse clientele.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, including active listening and relationship-building abilities.

• Highly self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, capable of working independently, prioritizing effectively, and managing a field-based schedule with minimal oversight.

• Ability to think critically, make sound business decisions, and apply strong judgment and logic.

• Strong planning and organizational capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Skill in presenting information clearly and addressing questions from both internal and external stakeholders.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and work a variable schedule as required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and CRM systems.

• Willingness to travel up to 90% with occasional overnight stays.

• An Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.

• A valid driver’s license is mandatory, and the motor vehicle record must be in good standing.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain/Wholesale Management, or Accounting/Finance is strongly preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Supportive company culture that values teamwork and collaboration.