Job Description

Job Summary

The Sales & Business Development Manager drives top-line growth by leading Artisan's regional sales initiatives and strengthening customer relationships across the greater Chicago market. This position combines direct sales with leadership responsibilities which include overseeing, coaching, and developing Sales Associates while executing strategies that expand market share, improve profitability, and ensure consistent month-over-month and year-over-year sales growth.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, metrics-driven professional with a deep understanding of foodservice distribution, customer relationship management, and sales pipeline development. This individual plays a key role in translating Artisan's brand value into actionable sales strategies, ensuring customer success and sustainable business expansion.

Responsibilities

Sales Leadership & Team Development

Manage, train, and mentor current regional sales team of 2. Lead by example through active field engagement, joint sales calls, and customer visits. Support professional development through coaching, feedback, and performance reviews. Set and monitor sales goals and KPIs.

Sales Strategy & Pipeline

Develop regional strategies for new business and account growth. Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline through prospecting, conversion, and retention. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align promotional efforts, pricing strategy, and customer engagement. Identify emerging market trends and recommend strategies to capture new opportunities. Track and forecast performance using data.

Customer Relationship Management

Serve as a partner to key established partner accounts. Provide tailored recommendations based on customer needs. Resolve service or order issues between customers and internal departments.

Administrative & Operational Duties

Prepare sales reports, forecasts, and budgets. Maintain CRM accuracy. Support collections by coordinating with accounting on outstanding receivables.

Qualifications

Experience

3-5 years of foodservice, distribution, or B2B sales experience 1-2 years in a lead, supervisory, or trainer role History of consistent revenue growth Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Knowledge of specialty food industry preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business, Marketing, or related field) preferred

Additional Requirements

Chicago-based with field travel Valid driver's license & auto insurance Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Occasional evenings/weekends for customer events

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation:

annual base

+

travel expenses and quarterly bonus based on performance Full Benefits
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

Are you currently living in the Chicago area? Do you have a proved track record in building and managing a sales pipeline and delivering consistent revenue growth?
Experience:

foodservice, distribution or B2B sales: 4 years (Required) Leadership, supervisor or trainer: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:

Drivers License and auto insurance (Required)
Willingness to travel:

50% (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Broadview, IL 60155