Business Development Manager - NW Arkansas

Job description

Grow Your Career in Foodservice Sales

Are you a foodservice professional looking to transition into a role that offers balance, flexibility, and long-term growth-while staying connected to the industry you love?

At Food Sales East (FSE), we represent top foodservice brands and help them grow through meaningful operator and distributor relationships. We're currently seeking a Business Development Manager (BDM) to support and expand our presence in the Arkansas market.

This is a field-based sales role. The ideal candidate lives in Northwest Arkansas, ideally within 30-45 miles of Fort Smith. The role includes local travel, regular in-person customer visits, and periodic visits to our Little Rock office for team meetings, collaboration, and access to samples and POS materials. Occasional overnight travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or events.

JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for representing our clients by selling their products to foodservice operators and supporting sales efforts within assigned distributor accounts. Success in this role depends on building strong relationships with both operators and distributor partners to drive growth in the Arkansas Market.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as the primary sales liaison at assigned distributor(s)-building trust with DSRs, driving focus on priority brands, and supporting ongoing sales initiatives
• Represent FSE and our brands during distributor general sales meetings (GSMs), ride-withs, and food shows
• Build and manage operator relationships across key segments (restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, education, etc.)
• Conduct product samplings, menu ideation, and sales presentations to support operator needs and drive new item placement
• Lead or participate in the sales planning process for your territory, aligning sales activities with growth priorities and manufacturer goals
• Achieve sales targets and contribute to territory growth goals
• Collaborate cross-functionally with distributor reps, manufacturer partners, and internal FSE teams to ensure alignment and follow-through
• Maintain accurate CRM records and manage territory pipeline and reporting
• Reporting requirements will include:
• Submitting weekly itinerary
• Maintaining a key account list,
• Monthly expense reporting
• Logging qualified sales calls in our CRM
• Other duties as assigned or necessary

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAITS FOR SUCCESS
• Foodservice industry background; B2B sales experience a plus
• Consultative sales approach and strong relationship-building skills with:
• Manufacturers
• Operators
• Distributors • Comfortable engaging operators and working in commercial kitchen environments
• Highly organized and self-motivated; thrives in a fast-paced, independent role
• Effective communication skills a must
• Proficient with CRM tools, Microsoft Office, and basic reporting functions
• Valid driver's license, ability to lift up to 40 lbs, and be able to stand on feet up to 11 hrs

TRAVEL
Occasional overnight travel will be required.

WHAT WE OFFER
FSE is a values-driven foodservice sales agency with over 60 years of success and sustained double-digit growth. We are expanding across the Southeast and approaching every customer, manufacturer, and employee with honesty and integrity at the core of our work.

FSE ownership is committed to our people and doing things the right way. We are intentional about creating a company culture where our team members thrive. We live out our Core Values daily, making a difference for our people and the communities we serve.

We support a team-first culture that emphasizes trust, transparency, and quality of life.

Our competitive compensation package includes:
• Base salary with bonus opportunities
• Car and cell phone allowance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Ongoing growth and advancement opportunities

READY TO MAKE A MOVE?
If you're ready to apply your foodservice experience in a high-impact, B2B sales role with room to grow, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and grow with us at FSE.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.