Local Food Sales Territory Manager - Houston, TX

The Common Market • Houston, TX

25d • 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 sourcing fresh, sustainable food from local farmers.

The role develops and executes sales strategies, manages key accounts, and cultivates long-term institutional partnerships. It requires an understanding of local food systems and institutional procurement processes, as well as the ability to educate clients about the benefits of sourcing fresh, sustainable products directly from local producers. The position is based in the Houston territory and requires significant travel across Houston; occasional overnight stays and weekends may be required for events or trade shows.

The stated base salary is $80,000 annually, paid biweekly, with bonus potential of up to $16,000 annually for achieving revenue goals, paid quarterly. The Common Market offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of sales experience, with a strong record of meeting goals and scaling distribution; experience in food service, agriculture, or local food systems 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.
• Highly motivated, self-starting approach, with a competitive edge and bias for action.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• 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.
• Ability to travel significantly across Houston; occasional overnight stays and weekend work may be required for events or trade shows.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Deliver net sales targets for the assigned Houston territory.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new institutional client partnerships on target routes within 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 manage potential and existing clients to increase market coverage and brand presence.
• Create and execute account management plans, including strategies, objectives, and sales targets for assigned key accounts.
• Grow existing customer relationships by understanding evolving needs and offering tailored solutions that support customer goals and enhance food access.
• Conduct data-driven sales presentations and workshops for food service providers on the quality, sustainability, and community benefits of local sourcing.
• Provide customer service support and proactively address inquiries about products, orders, production, delivery, and other concerns.
• Act as the primary liaison between key customers and internal operations, marketing, and producer relations teams to align offerings with expectations and support service delivery.
• Communicate across departments to support innovation, product-line refinement, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze market trends and client feedback and adjust sales strategies as needed.
• Keep CRM tools updated accurately and promptly with account status, forecasts, and sales activities.
• Organize and prioritize work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Represent The Common Market at local events, conferences, and trade shows in the territory.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and uphold The Common Market's mission, vision, and values in business conduct.
• Communicate, present, persuade, and negotiate effectively while remaining calm and courteous under pressure.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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