Sales Account Representative/Executive

SUMMARY:

Upper Lakes Foods is seeking motivated, customer‑focused sales professionals to join our growing team. We are hiring at multiple levels—Sales Account Representative (entry level) and Sales Account Executive (experienced). Candidates will be placed based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies. Specific Job descriptions may be obtained from HR.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.
• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential tasks for job description success.
• Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• 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.

Certification, Licenses, Registrations

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Possess the ability to hold positive relationships with customers, co-workers, and customers.
• Light physical exertion, standing, bending, and reaching, and lifting and carrying of light loads.
• Must have visual and aural faculties sufficient to enable employee to perform all tasks as set forth and assigned to him/her.
• Ability to lift no less than 40 pounds regularly.
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS:

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 specialize in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional 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.

CORE VALUES:

• Strong Work Ethic– We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance, and consistency of character.
• Positive Attitude– We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable, and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.
• Integrity– We believe in honesty, truthfulness, and consistency in our actions.
• Teamwork– We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety, and service.
• Professional Appearance– We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness, and appropriate business dress.
• Respectful Interaction– We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment.

“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.”