Sales Consultant

Job Position: Sales Consultant

Salary: $70,000/yr

Hours: Full-time M-F Weekends and evenings as needed per event schedule

Location : Lincolnwood, IL

Job Summary

Food For Thought is looking for a results-driven Sales Consultant to grow our catering and workplace dining business by building strong client relationships, developing new business opportunities, and creating memorable food and event experiences. This role manages the sales process from lead generation and proposal development through event planning and execution, ensuring exceptional client service while meeting sales goals and maintaining profitability. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship builder with a strong sales mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

• Meets or exceeds annual sales budget.
• Creates goals to ensure new business and skill development.
• Fields and pre-qualifies leads.
• Writes and follows through on proposals for FFT specific events.
• Executes specific tasks designed to ensure the effortless execution of all booked events. This includes, but not limited to: Venue sourcing, CRM management, field calls and inquiries, contract writing, menu creation, venue contracts, floor plan generation, staffing, pack lists, procurement of equipment, rental and linens, execution of concierge services and event group sales, all Caterxpert functions.
• Creates pre-event communication which include direction on food and beverage, linen, equipment, staff, floor plans, timelines and event/client specific notes and logistics.
• Sells workplace solutions and delivered menus to enhance client portfolio.
• Plans and conducts tastings.
• Ensure execution of events through on-site management.
• Participates in and prepares information for weekly menu meetings and other meetings.
• Targets clients to build online reviews and increased presence on social media.
• Preparation of RFP's.
• Contributes to the financial success of the company by accountability to established profit margins.
• Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety by adhering to general safety rules, thinking of safety as the jobs are performed; reports any safety related concerns, suggestions or injuries immediately.
• Participates in promotional and networking opportunities to support the sales effort.
• Aids and conducts site visits and client meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication, people and networking skills.
• Possess a strong sales and business acumen.
• Ability to thrive and remain even-tempered when faced with a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
• Team player, ready and willing to assist in departmental projects and emergencies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.

Education/ experience

• Bachelor's of Business Administration, Sales, Marketing or Hospitality degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years experience in a sales capacity with proven results.
• Food and beverage or Culinary background a plus.
• Proficient in catering specific software and CRM which tracks and monitors sales and client information, develops contracts, initiates logistical requests, and produces final bills and financial reports. (Caterxpert and Nutshell a plus)

Why We’re the Leaders

• Excellent training
• Employee Referral bonuses
• Flexible scheduling
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

1. Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss

• Assistance for you and household members
• In Person Sessions
• Unlimited phone access

• Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
• 401K Retirement Plan
• FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & Open Communication

• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating

• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

• A Net Positive Organization

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, move, reach, grab, and stand for long periods of time. May occasionally involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to lift and carry items of 20+ pounds for a moderate distance.

EEO Statement

Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

E-Verify Participation

Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.