Artisan Kitchens LLC is a company focused on foodservice business development, and they are seeking an Account Manager/Business Development professional. The role involves identifying new opportunities, managing customer relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive account growth and market insights.
Responsibilities:
- Identify, target, and close new foodservice opportunities, including operators, regional chains, contract feeders, and distributor-led accounts
- Build and manage relationships with foodservice distributors and key operator customers
- Navigate distributor authorization, item setup, and onboarding processes
- Develop customer presentations, pricing models, and menu-focused proposals
- Attend customer meetings, distributor reviews, and industry events as needed
- Manage a portfolio of existing foodservice accounts and distributor relationships
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring strong communication and execution
- Drive account growth through menu placements, new item introductions, and expanded distribution
- Coordinate forecasts, demand planning, promotions, and limited-time offers
- Resolve customer issues related to service, supply, quality, or pricing
- Work closely with operations and supply chain to align production, inventory, and service levels
- Collaborate with marketing and R&D on sell sheets, menu concepts, new product development, and sales tools
- Communicate customer feedback, market insights, and product needs internally
- Manage and lead foodservice broker partners across assigned regions
- Conduct regular broker calls, pipeline reviews, and performance check-ins
- Monitor foodservice trends, menu innovation, and competitive activity
- Provide input into product development, pack sizes, and foodservice-specific formats
- Support pricing strategy with an understanding of distributor margins, broker commissions, and operator economics
Requirements:
- 3–7+ years of experience in foodservice sales, business development, or account management
- Direct experience working with foodservice operators and distributor networks
- Strong understanding of foodservice sales cycles and operator decision-making
- Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable wearing multiple hats
- Proficient in Excel, CRM tools, and customer presentations
- Experience in fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food categories
- Background selling to regional or national foodservice operators
- Familiarity with menu costing, yield, and back-of-house considerations
- Experience in a small or entrepreneurial food company
- Experience with quick-serve breakfast formats (ie: Coffee Chains, C-Stores)