Sales Consultant

Food for Thought•Lincolnwood, IL

4h•$0 - $70,000

About The Position

Food For Thought is seeking a results-driven Sales Consultant to grow its catering and workplace dining business. The role develops client relationships and new business opportunities, manages sales from lead generation and proposal development through event planning and execution, and provides exceptional client service while meeting sales goals and maintaining profitability. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship builder with a sales mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The position is based in Lincolnwood, Illinois, pays $70,000 per year, and is full-time, Monday through Friday, with evenings and weekends as needed according to the event schedule. It involves sales activities, client and venue coordination, event preparation, and on-site event management.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in a sales capacity, with proven results.
Excellent communication, people, and networking skills.
Strong sales and business acumen.
Ability to remain even-tempered and thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Team-oriented approach and willingness to assist with departmental projects and emergencies.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or Hospitality from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience.
Proficiency with catering-specific software and CRM systems used to track and monitor sales and client information, develop contracts, initiate logistical requests, and produce final bills and financial reports.

Nice To Haves

Food and beverage or culinary background.
Familiarity with Caterxpert and Nutshell.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed the annual sales budget.
Create goals for new business and skill development.
Field and pre-qualify leads.
Write and follow through on proposals for Food For Thought events.
Complete tasks that support smooth execution of booked events, including venue sourcing, CRM management, responding to calls and inquiries, writing contracts, creating menus and floor plans, coordinating venue contracts and staffing, preparing pack lists, procuring equipment, rentals and linens, and managing concierge services, event group sales, and Caterxpert functions.
Create pre-event communications covering food and beverage, linens, equipment, staff, floor plans, timelines, and event- or client-specific notes and logistics.
Sell workplace solutions and delivered menus to enhance the client portfolio.
Plan and conduct tastings.
Ensure events are executed through on-site management.
Participate in weekly menu meetings and other meetings, and prepare information for them.
Target clients to build online reviews and increase social media presence.
Prepare requests for proposals (RFPs).
Contribute to the company’s financial success by maintaining accountability to established profit margins.
Follow workplace safety rules, consider safety while performing work, and immediately report safety concerns, suggestions, or injuries.
Participate in promotional and networking opportunities that support sales.
Assist with and conduct site visits and client meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid time off.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and domestic partner coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Paid life insurance.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and critical illness insurance.
Short-term disability.
Employee Assistance Program, with support for mental health, relationship conflicts, child and eldercare, substance abuse, and grief and loss; assistance is available to employees and household members through in-person sessions and unlimited phone access.
Parental leave with equal benefits for mothers and fathers.
401(k) retirement plan.
FFT University, with over 70 courses to support skills and career growth.
Employee meal plan.
Employee discounts, including pet insurance, entertainment, travel, and company discounts.
Employee referral bonuses.
Flexible scheduling.
Career advancement opportunities.
Anniversary milestone incentives.
Excellent training.
Competitive pay.