DescriptionJob Summary
The Common Market is actively seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Local Food Sales Territory Manager for the vibrant Carolinas region with a specific focus on driving sales in Charlotte NC and Greenville and Columbia SC. This pivotal role is essential for advancing our mission: to forge strong connections between local farmers and key institutions such as schools hospitals and community organizations. You will be instrumental in promoting and significantly increasing the demand for locally sourced fresh and sustainable foods across North and South Carolina.
As the Carolinas Territory Manager you will be a connector a strategist and a builder of long-term partnerships. You will develop and execute sales strategies manage key accounts and cultivate robust relationships with institutional partners. Your deep expertise in local food systems will empower you to educate and engage clients about the multifaceted benefits of sourcing fresh sustainable products directly from local producers ultimately enhancing food access and supporting community well-being in the areas we serve.
Responsibilities
Sales & Revenue Growth
- Deliver net sales and margin targets for the assigned territory (Charlotte NC and Greenville/Columbia SC).
- Identify cultivate and secure new institutional client partnerships on target routes within Charlotte NC and Greenville and Columbia SC.
- Develop and implement highly effective outreach and sales strategies to drive local food sales and expand market presence.
- Focus on converting initial engagements into sustained long-term partnerships demonstrating a relentless pursuit of results.
- Actively manage and engage with potential and existing clients to increase The Common Markets market coverage and brand presence.
Account Management & Customer Development
- Create and execute comprehensive account management plans including clear strategies objectives and sales targets for assigned key accounts.
- Expand relationships with existing customers by deeply understanding their evolving needs and consistently offering tailored solutions that support their goals and enhance food access.
- Conduct compelling data-driven sales presentations and workshops to inform food service providers about the advantages of local sourcing emphasizing quality sustainability and community impact.
- Provide high-level customer service support proactively addressing inquiries related to product orders production delivery or other concerns.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Excellence
- Serve as the primary liaison between key customers and internal teams including operations marketing and producer relations to ensure product offerings meet customer expectations and service delivery is exceptional.
- Maintain strong communication across departments to support innovation continuous refinement of The Common Markets product line and seamless customer satisfaction.
- Analyze market trends and client feedback to adjust sales strategies as needed demonstrating adaptability and a keen understanding of the foodservice landscape.
- Ensure timely and accurate updates of CRM tools with account status forecasts and sales activities.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills to structure your schedule prioritize tasks and meet deadlines independently.
Team Contribution & Company Representation
- Represent The Common Market at local events conferences and trade shows within the territory with professionalism and enthusiasm promoting our mission and values.
- Contribute to a collaborative and cooperative team environment demonstrating flexibility coachability and a strong commitment to shared goals.
- Uphold The Common Markets values mission and vision in all interactions and business conduct.
- Exhibit excellent communication presentation persuasion and negotiation skillsremaining calm and courteous under pressure.
Requirements - 5 years of sales experience with a strong track record of delivering against goals and scaling distribution preferably within the food service agricultural or local food systems sector.
- Proven success in managing and growing institutional accounts and fostering strong client relationships.
- Deep knowledge of the foodservice landscape and/or local food systems in North and South Carolina particularly within the Charlotte Greenville and Columbia markets.
- Highly motivated self-starter with a competitive edge and a bias for action.
- Excellent communication negotiation and analytical skills.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced results-oriented environment.
- Bachelors degree in business agriculture environmental science or a related field
- Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software such as Salesforce
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers clients customers and the general public.
Travel Requirement
This position requires significant travel within the Charlotte NC and Greenville/Columbia SC territories including some overnight stays and occasional weekends for events or trade shows.
Benefits - Base Salary:$80000 annually (paid biweekly).
- Bonus Potential:Up to $25000 annually for achieving revenue goals (paid quarterly).
- Make an impactby connecting institutions with healthy local food while supporting family farms.
- Collaborate with a passionate mission-driven teamworking to build a better food system.
- Opportunity for growthin a dynamic and expanding organization.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Health Care Plan (Medical Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match)
- Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid Life AD&D Short Term and Long Term Disability)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation Sick & Public Holidays)
Required Experience:
Manager