Join the energetic team at Upper Lakes Foods, Inc., where innovation meets customer-centricity! As a Sales Account Representative/Executive, you'll have the thrill of driving sales and building strong customer relations right from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy the ultimate work-from-home flexibility that lets you balance your professional ambitions with your lifestyle—all while making impactful contributions to the food distribution industry here in beautiful Minnesota. You'll collaborate with a high-performance team dedicated to problem-solving and excellence, ensuring every day is both fun and rewarding. Plus, you’ll be at the forefront of our forward-thinking initiatives, bringing fresh ideas to the table.

Your passion and integrity will shine as you help our customers succeed. You will be offered great benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Paid Time Off. Embark on this exciting journey and see how we can grow together!

Who are we? An Introduction

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota. The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI. We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest. Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier and community we serve by bringing the best; the best products, best people and best ideas.

Your role as a Sales Account Representative & Executive

Upper Lakes Foods is on the lookout for motivated, customer-focused sales professionals eager to make their mark in the food distribution industry! We are thrilled to announce openings at multiple levels, including both our entry-level Sales Account Representative and experienced Sales Account Executive positions. This exciting opportunity allows candidates to showcase their qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies as they become integral members of our dynamic team.

Whether you're just starting your sales journey or looking to leverage your expertise, we have a place for you to thrive and grow while contributing to our mission of excellence and innovation!

Are you the Sales Account Representative & Executive we're looking for?

To thrive as a Sales Account Representative or Executive at Upper Lakes Foods, a diverse skill set is essential. Successful candidates will cultivate strong, long-term relationships with customers, engaging in outbound sales efforts like calls, cold outreach, and on-site visits. Presenting tailored product solutions and demonstrating their value is key, along with supporting customers through demonstrations, menu planning, and training. Proficiency in sales support software and tools, along with the ability to analyze sales reports and customer activities, will enhance performance. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills are crucial to manage delivery schedules and coordinate logistics.

Candidates should possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with light physical tasks, including lifting up to 40 pounds. With a bachelor's degree preferred, especially in Hospitality or Supply Chain, and the knack for continuous learning, individuals will drive success while ensuring safety and professionalism in all interactions.

Knowledge and skills required for the position are:

Cultivate strong, long‑term relationships with current and prospective customers.
Conduct outbound sales efforts including scheduled calls, cold outreach, and on‑site visits.
Present product solutions tailored to customer needs, demonstrating value over price.
Support customers through product demonstrations, menu planning, and training.
Participate in customer events, food shows, and promotional activities.
Review and analyze sales reports, customer activity, and margin performance.
Manage delivery schedules and coordinate with logistics to resolve issues.
Assist in accounts receivable communications as needed.
Utilize financial and sales support software to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
Engage in continuous learning through training, shadowing, and professional development.
Collaborate with supplier and brokerage partners to identify growth opportunities.
Participate in community outreach as a representative of Upper Lakes Foods.
Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the company, and the community; and maintains the professional competence knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.

High school diploma or Equivalant required.
Bachelor’s degree preferred or associate degree plus minimum 1 year of related experience. A strong preference is given to those with a degree in Hospitality or Supply Chain.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record per Upper Lakes Foods Inc’s company vehicle policy.
Aptitude to gain certification of the Serve Safe food handling course; Required in first 90-days.
Requires regular attendance to perform essential tasks for job description success.
Knowledge and proficiency of the following systems: Microsoft Office programs specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook as well as the Internet.
Ability to operate basic office equipment i.e. copy machine and scanner.
Ability to be flexible, to be fair, and to function under pressure. Great organizational and multi-tasking skills along with the ability to solve problems.
Must be able to complete a project from beginning to end.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Relocation consideration upon successful completion of sales training development.
Strong ability to sell based on value and customer needs.
Possess the ability to hold positive relationships with customers, co-workers, and customers.
Light physical exertion including standing, bending, reaching, and and lifting and carrying of light loads. Ability to lift no less than 40 pounds regularly.
Must have visual and aural faculties sufficient to enable employee to perform all tasks as set forth and assigned to him/her.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Join us!

Applying for this position is a walk in the park if you feel it's a good fit for you. Best of luck!

"We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin."