Retail Account Manager

Retail Account Manager

Chicago, IL - Chicago, IL 60603 Start Date 07/07/2026 End Date 09/07/2026

Overview

Salary Range $55,000.00 - $80,000.00 Base+Commission/year Position Type Full Time Education Level Associate's Degree Travel Percentage Road Warrior Category Sales

Description

Are you passionate about artisan foods and excited to introduce unique products to new audiences? As a Retail Account Manager, you'll work closely with customers to bring innovative specialty items to market, while strengthening our distribution presence across your territory. This role is about building meaningful partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and helping our customers succeed with the best in global and artisanal food.

Bonus, Incentives & Company-Provided Resources

• Commission: Eligible for monthly, quarterly, and annual bonuses and other sales incentives if applicable
• Above-average salary
• Company-provided laptop
• Company cell phone reimbursement

What You'll Be Doing...

• Tasting and learning about new artisanal and imported products to increase your sales knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships with customer at corporate and store level.
• Present and sell company products and services to current and potential clients.
• Communicate shipping schedules and delivery of merchandise.
• Develop and implement monthly promotional schedule.
• Occasional overnight and local travel for meetings and store openings.
• Prepare and present an annual business review for each account.
• Participate in marketing event such as seminars, sales meetings, and trade shows.
• Participate successfully in all sales drives, incentives, and contests.
• Item/Price Quotes/Customer Authorization (Account Manager Database)
• Conduct outside sales activities by regularly visiting customers to build lasting relationships and understand their needs.
• Schedule and manage customer visits to present product demonstrations discuss solutions, and close sales in a personalized setting.

Things you need to be able to do:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Carry up to 25 lbs.
• Frequently standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Other stuff we like:

• College degree preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in sales, retail, culinary, or management.
• Valid driver's license.

Things that are a plus:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with large, complex, multi-location clients.
• Ability to anticipate future trends and remain detail-oriented.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Strong computer skills and comfort with sales tools.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as a remote employee.
• Understanding of customer service principles and processes.
• Strong relationship builder, fast communicator, highly organized, and passionate about artisanal specialty foods.

What we think you'll love about Gourmet Foods International:

• Advancement Opportunities. We offer career advancement, including college reimbursement. We want to see you grow with the company.
• Keeping it fresh. Learn new things every from new technology to innovative new products we distribute.
• Teamwork. Work on a team that supports each other.

What else can we offer?

Gourmet Foods Benefits include Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short Term, Long-Term Disability, and accident insurance. We also offer 401(k) with matching contributions, Profit Sharing, Competitive Salaries, Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Free College Tuition, PAID Parental Leave, Professional Development Programs, opportunity to grow within the Company, Employee Discount, Referral Bonus.

GFI is a drug-free employer. You voluntarily consent to a pre-employment drug screen, and a background check will be required for the hiring process. Background checks can include but are not limited to previous employment, education, and criminal records.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gourmet Foods International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.