Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of gourmet delights, the role of Food Industry Technical Sales Representatives has never been more essential.

As the food industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can promote, explain, and sell technical products and services in this sector grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected of a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of technical sales in the food industry,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Food Industry Technical Sales Representative job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Food Industry Technical Sales Representatives utilize their specialized knowledge of the food industry, paired with sales acumen, to sell food processing equipment, ingredients, or services to food manufacturers and other related companies.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Understand and articulate technical specifications of food products, services, and equipment to potential customers
• Identify and approach potential clients, which may include food manufacturers, restaurants, and food processing companies
• Present and demonstrate the features and benefits of products or services to clients
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and provide excellent customer service
• Negotiate contracts and sales agreements
• Provide technical support and advice to customers
• Work with the sales team to develop strategies and implement brand strategies to ensure a consistent marketing message
• Stay updated on industry trends and developments to better serve clients and improve sales
• Attend industry trade shows, conferences, and other networking events
• Prepare and submit sales reports and forecasts

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a driven and knowledgeable Food Industry Technical Sales Representative to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for promoting and selling our food industry products, providing technical support to customers, and attending trade shows and conferences.

The ideal candidate will have experience in food science or a related field, with a solid understanding of food processing and manufacturing.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as strong sales and negotiation skills are essential for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify potential clients and build long-term relationships with them
• Promote and sell the company’s products to current and potential clients
• Provide technical support and solutions to customers
• Conduct presentations and product demonstrations
• Prepare and submit sales contracts and orders
• Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors’ products, prices, and sales
• Participate in trade shows and conferences
• Collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets
• Provide reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activities, and potential for new products and services

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Technical Sales Representative in the food industry
• Knowledge of food science, food processing and manufacturing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to build relationships with clients
• BSc degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Marketing or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Travel allowances

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Food Industry Technical Sales Representative
• Work Environment: This role requires frequent travel to client locations, trade shows, and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Do?

Food Industry Technical Sales Representatives typically work for food manufacturing companies, supplying food ingredients to various industries such as bakeries, restaurants, and other foodservice establishments.

Their primary role is to manage existing customer relationships and establish new ones, acting as the point of contact between the supplier and the customer.

They are responsible for explaining the features and benefits of the products they sell, conducting product demonstrations, and providing technical advice to clients.

The representatives also negotiate contracts, coordinate sales efforts with marketing programs, and ensure that customers receive the highest level of service.

They need to understand the client’s business requirements and suggest products or services that meet their needs.

Apart from direct sales, they also gather market and customer information and provide feedback on buying trends.

They may be involved in identifying new markets and business opportunities.

Their role requires them to stay updated with the latest developments in the food industry, including changes in regulations and trends in food safety and quality.

In case of customer complaints or issues, the Food Industry Technical Sales Representative is also tasked with coordinating with the technical team to solve them and ensure customer satisfaction.

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

A Food Industry Technical Sales Representative should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Deep understanding of food science and the food industry to provide technical advice and sell products effectively to customers
• Strong sales skills to promote products, negotiate deals and close sales
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with customers and understand their needs
• Analytical skills to understand market trends, forecast sales and report on sales activities and performance
• Problem-solving skills to address customer issues and find solutions that meet their needs
• Organizational skills to manage sales records, customer information, and schedules
• Ability to travel frequently to meet with customers and attend food industry events
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in the food industry to ensure that products are being represented and sold in compliance with these rules

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Food Industry Technical Sales Representative usually require 1 to 2 years of relevant experience.

This experience could be gained through internships, part-time roles or even full-time roles in the food industry, preferably in sales, marketing or business development.

Such professionals could also gain valuable experience in roles such as Quality Assurance Tester, Food Technologist, or other food-related roles that enhance their knowledge about food safety standards, regulations, and the latest trends in the food industry.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of food production, as well as business acumen.

They may have developed these skills in roles such as Food Scientist, Food Industry Analyst, or similar roles that require both technical knowledge and sales skills.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, often from roles such as Sales Team Lead or Food Industry Sales Manager.

With their advanced technical knowledge and proven sales record, they may be ready for senior or managerial positions in the food industry’s sales department.

In addition, any experience in customer service, problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship building is also highly valuable in this role.

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

To become a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative, one typically needs a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related field.

The role often demands a solid understanding of the food industry, including the production process, quality control, and safety standards.

Therefore, coursework or experience in food science, nutrition, chemistry, and microbiology can be beneficial.

In addition to the academic qualifications, a technical sales representative in the food industry should ideally have experience in sales or customer service.

Prior sales experience in the food industry can be a significant advantage.

Further, knowledge of federal and state regulations related to food and beverage products is essential.

This knowledge can be acquired through professional training programs or on-the-job training.

While not always required, obtaining a certification in food safety, sales, or marketing can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment and expertise.

Examples include Certified Professional Food Safety (CPFS) credential or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) for those focusing on supply chain aspects.

Soft skills such as communication, presentation, negotiation, and problem-solving are also vital in this role, and often developed through practical experience and continuous learning.

It’s also important to keep up-to-date with the latest food industry trends and technological advancements, which may require ongoing education and professional development.

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative is $65,834 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, education, location, and the specific company for which they work.

 

Food Industry Technical Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative need?

A Food Industry Technical Sales Representative should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be dealing with clients and other stakeholders regularly.

They should also possess strong negotiation and selling skills.

A good understanding of the food industry and the products they are selling is crucial.

They should also be able to use sales forecasting and data analysis tools.

 

Do Food Industry Technical Sales Representatives need a degree?

While not always required, a degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related field could be beneficial for a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative.

However, extensive experience in the food industry or sales might be equally or even more valuable than formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative resume?

When reviewing a resume for this role, look for proven experience in sales, particularly within the food industry.

Check for knowledge of food processing and manufacturing practices, as well as any technical knowledge related to the specific products your company sells.

Sales achievements and a history of meeting or exceeding targets are also good indicators of a successful candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Food Industry Technical Sales Representative?

A successful Food Industry Technical Sales Representative should be confident, personable, and persuasive to effectively sell products and build relationships with clients.

They need to be proactive, able to identify potential sales opportunities and follow through on leads.

A good representative also needs to be able to understand and explain complex technical information in a clear, understandable way.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative?

As with many roles, finding the right candidate for a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative can be challenging.

The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical knowledge about the food industry and strong sales skills.

This combination can be hard to find, so the hiring process may take more time and resources than for other roles.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve provided a sneak peek into the world of a Food Industry Technical Sales Representative.

Surprised?

It’s not just about selling food products.

It’s about cultivating the future of the food industry, one product sale at a time.

Thanks to our comprehensive Food Industry Technical Sales Representative job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every product sale contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of the food industry. Together.

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