Local Food Sales Territory Manager - Houston, TX

The Common Market • Houston, TX

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Common Market is seeking a highly motivated, results-driven Local Food Sales Territory Manager for the Houston, Texas area. This full-time, hybrid position promotes and expands local food distribution to schools, hospitals, and other anchor institutions by building partnerships that prioritize fresh, sustainable food from local farmers. The role develops and executes sales strategies, manages key accounts, and cultivates long-term institutional relationships. It requires an understanding of local food systems and the procurement processes of schools and hospitals, and includes educating clients on the benefits of sourcing directly from local producers to enhance food access and support community well-being.

The position is responsible for meeting territory sales targets, acquiring and developing institutional customers, and providing high-level account support. It also coordinates with internal operations, marketing, and producer relations teams to align products and service with customer expectations. The role represents The Common Market at local events and trade shows and requires significant travel across Houston, with occasional overnight stays and weekend work for events or trade shows.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of sales experience, with a strong track record of meeting goals and scaling distribution; food service, agriculture, or local food systems experience is preferred.
• Proven success managing and growing institutional accounts and fostering strong client relationships.
• Deep knowledge of the foodservice landscape and/or local food systems in Texas, particularly the Houston metro area.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software such as Salesforce.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter with a competitive edge and a bias for action.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

• Sales experience in food service, agriculture, or local food systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver net sales targets for the assigned Houston, Texas territory.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new institutional client partnerships on target routes in the Houston metro area.
• Develop and implement outreach and sales strategies to drive local food sales and expand market presence.
• Convert initial engagements into sustained, long-term partnerships and actively manage potential and existing clients.
• Create and execute account management plans with strategies, objectives, and sales targets for assigned key accounts.
• Grow existing customer relationships by understanding evolving needs and offering tailored solutions.
• Conduct data-driven sales presentations and workshops explaining the quality, sustainability, and community benefits of local sourcing.
• Provide customer service and proactively address product, order, production, delivery, and other concerns.
• Serve as the primary liaison between key customers and internal operations, marketing, and producer relations teams.
• Maintain cross-departmental communication to support innovation, product-line refinement, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze market trends and client feedback and adjust sales strategies as needed.
• Update CRM tools with account status, forecasts, and sales activities in a timely and accurate manner.
• Organize and prioritize work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Represent The Common Market at local events, conferences, and trade shows within the territory.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and uphold the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Communicate, present, persuade, and negotiate effectively while remaining calm and courteous under pressure.

Benefits

• Base salary of $80,000 annually, paid biweekly.
• Bonus potential of up to $16,000 annually for achieving revenue goals, paid quarterly.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision health care plan.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 100% employer match.
• Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and expanding organization.
• Opportunity to support family farms and work with a mission-driven team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior