Field Sales Representative - Downstate Illinois

Job Description

Job Purpose

As an Away From Home (AFH) Field Sales Representative, you will be a key player in driving Kraft Heinz’s market share and profitability within the Downstate Illinois territory. This role goes beyond traditional sales — it’s about owning your business, selling solutions, and influencing stakeholders to drive success. We’re looking for a proactive, results-driven individual who can make an impact from day one by building relationships, developing sales strategies, and executing key initiatives. This role offers direct contributions to business growth and valuable sales experience that can pave the way for future career opportunities within Kraft Heinz.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• ​​Own and lead sales efforts in your assigned territory, driving branded market share and profitability in alignment with Kraft Heinz values.

• ​Execute the Foodservice Sales Playbook to ensure success in the market.

• ​Develop and implement profitable sales strategies with local and national distributors while supporting operator needs.

• ​Build and maintain strong distributor relationships, actively participating in local events and initiatives.

• ​Drive penetration of priority SKUs, focusing on strategic, branded, and high-margin products.

• ​Identify and manage a pipeline of high-value sales opportunities, collaborating with Sales Operations, Finance, and Supply teams.

• ​Lead bottom-up sales planning, crafting data-driven proposals based on customer needs and market insights.

• ​Own the full sales cycle—from generating interest to securing commitments and closing deals.

• ​Meet and exceed revenue targets while effectively managing trade budgets and business expenses.

• ​Execute quarterly and annual sales and marketing priorities, including new product launches and limited-time offers.

• ​Support the Sales Operations & Planning team by accurately forecasting demand and submitting Volume Submission Forms (VSFs) for new or renewed business.

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Expected Experience & Required Skills

• ​​Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, marketing, sales, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

• ​1 to 3 years of sales, customer service, or business development experience, preferably in foodservice, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a related industry.

• ​Self-motivated and results-driven with a proactive approach to problem-solving and overcoming challenges.

• ​Strong analytical skills—ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and financial reports to support business decisions.

• ​Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to sell and influence both internal and external stakeholders.

• ​Relationship-building expertise, with the ability to establish and maintain strong partnerships with distributors, operators, and key decision-makers.

• ​Ability to adapt selling strategies to virtual platforms (MS Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, etc.).

• ​Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).

• ​Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when needed (e.g., delivering customer samples).

• ​Valid driver’s license and ability to meet MVR requirements.

• ​Given the territory’s geographic size, frequent overnight travel should be expected.

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Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Remote based role that can be performed from a home office within the Downstate Illinois territory, based from or near Central or Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, or Rockford area preferred), with expected travel. Additionally, this role requires working a salaried, exempt schedule to best execute against customer and internal expectations.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$68,900.00 - $86,100.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Employee's Home - National

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact View email address on aiapply.co for assistance.