The posting
Job Summary
The Common Market is seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Local Food Sales Territory Manager for the Houston, Texas area. This full-time, hybrid position is essential for promoting and expanding our local food distribution efforts to schools, hospitals, and other anchor institutions. The goal of this role is to build strong partnerships that prioritize sourcing fresh, sustainable food from local farmers.
The ideal candidate will be a connector, a strategist, and a builder of long-term partnerships. They will develop and execute sales strategies, manage key accounts, and cultivate robust relationships with institutional partners. This role requires a strong understanding of local food systems and the procurement processes of schools and hospitals. The successful candidate will educate and engage clients on the benefits of sourcing fresh, sustainable products directly from local producers, ultimately enhancing food access and supporting community well-being.
Responsibilities
Sales & Revenue Growth
- Deliver net sales targets for the assigned territory (Houston, TX).
- Identify, cultivate, and secure new institutional client partnerships on target routes within Houston metro
- 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 Market's 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 Market's 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 Market's values, mission, and vision in all interactions and business conduct.
- Exhibit excellent communication, presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills—remaining 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 Texas, particularly focused on the Houston metro
- 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.
- Bachelor’s 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 across Houston. Occasional overnight stays and weekends may be required for events or trade shows.
Benefits
- Base Salary: $80,000 annually (paid biweekly).
- Bonus Potential: Up to $16,000 annually for achieving revenue goals (paid quarterly).
- Make an impact by connecting institutions with healthy, local food while supporting family farms.
- Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team working to build a better food system.
- Opportunity for growth in 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)
