Northeast Regional Sales Manager

Lakeside Manufacturing, Inc•West Milwaukee, WI

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Lakeside Manufacturing is seeking a highly motivated, competitive, and relentless Outside Sales Representative to join our team in the food equipment industry. This role is ideal for a driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is willing to travel, and possesses deep knowledge of food service equipment, industry trends, and customer needs. The successful candidate will focus on expanding our market presence by identifying new opportunities, building strong client relationships, and closing sales to meet and exceed targets.

Requirements

Motivated and Competitive: A self-starter with a proven track record of exceeding sales goals in a competitive environment.
Relentless: Persistent in pursuing leads and closing sales, even in the face of challenges or rejections.
Willing to Travel: Comfortable with extensive road and air travel, including flexibility for last-minute trips.
Knowledgeable: 3+ years of experience in outside sales, preferably in the food equipment or related industry (e.g., hospitality, food service). Strong understanding of commercial kitchen operations and equipment.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Responsibilities

Prospect and Generate Leads: Actively identify and pursue potential clients in the food service sector, including restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and commercial kitchens. Utilize cold calling, networking events, trade shows, and referrals to build a robust pipeline of qualified leads.
Conduct On-Site Sales Presentations and Demonstrations: Travel to client locations to showcase food equipment products (e.g., commercial ovens, refrigeration units, prep stations, and specialized machinery). Provide tailored demonstrations that highlight product features, benefits, and how they solve specific operational challenges, ensuring clients understand the value proposition.
Build and Maintain Client Relationships: Foster long-term partnerships with existing and new customers through regular follow-ups, personalized consultations, and exceptional service. Address client inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and upsell additional products or upgrades to maximize account value.
Achieve Sales Targets: Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals by strategically managing territory and prioritizing high-potential opportunities. Track progress using CRM tools and report on performance metrics to sales management.
Stay Knowledgeable on Products and Industry Trends: Maintain expert-level understanding of our food equipment portfolio, including technical specifications, safety standards (e.g., NSF/ANSI compliance), and emerging technologies like energy-efficient or smart kitchen solutions. Keep abreast of industry developments, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes through continuous learning and training.
Travel Within Assigned Territory: Be prepared for travel (up to 50% of the time), including overnight stays, to visit clients, attend industry events, and conduct site assessments. Manage travel logistics efficiently to optimize time and expenses.
Collaborate with Internal Teams: Work closely with inside sales, marketing, product development, and service teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment, installation, and post-sale support. Provide feedback on market needs to inform product improvements and marketing strategies.
Document and Report Activities: Maintain accurate records of sales activities, client interactions, and pipeline status in the company's CRM system. Prepare regular reports on territory performance, market insights, and competitive intelligence.