Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of the food service industry, restaurant equipment sales representatives play a pivotal role.

As the restaurant scene evolves, so does the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can effectively sell, advise on, and advocate for high-quality restaurant equipment.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a restaurant equipment sales representative?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of restaurant equipment sales,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable restaurant equipment sales representative job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives primarily serve as the link between the manufacturer or distributor and the restaurants or foodservice operators.

They assist in the selection of the right equipment, ensuring it aligns with the clients’ needs and budget.

The duties and responsibilities of a Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative include:

• Identifying potential clients and conducting market research to locate new business opportunities
• Presenting and demonstrating the features of products to clients
• Maintaining detailed knowledge of the products and services the company offers
• Advising clients on equipment that best suits their needs and budget
• Providing quotes and negotiating prices with clients
• Following up with clients after the sale to ensure satisfaction and answer any further questions or concerns
• Creating and implementing sales strategies to achieve company sales goals
• Attending trade shows and sales events to promote the company’s products
• Processing orders and ensuring the timely delivery of products
• Maintaining a customer database and communicating with clients to identify their future needs

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative to join our team.

You will be responsible for promoting and selling our restaurant equipment products to existing and potential clients.

Our ideal candidate is experienced in sales, knowledgeable about restaurant equipment, and capable of meeting sales targets.

You should be able to build strong relationships with clients, recommend products that meet their needs, and provide top-notch customer service.

Ultimately, the role of the Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative is to drive our company’s sales efforts and contribute to our long-term business growth.

 

Responsibilities

• Present, promote and sell products to existing and prospective customers
• Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships
• Reach out to customer leads through cold calling
• Achieve agreed upon sales targets and outcomes within schedule
• Coordinate sales effort with team members and other departments
• Analyze the territory/market’s potential, track sales and status reports
• Supply management with reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activities, and potential for new products and services
• Continuously improve through feedback

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a sales representative
• Experience in the restaurant or food service industry is a plus
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Familiarity with BRM and CRM practices along with ability to build productive business professional relationships
• Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
• Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
• BS/BA degree or equivalent

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel for client meetings or product demonstrations.
• 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: $50,000 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 Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Do?

A Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative primarily works for corporations that manufacture or supply restaurant equipment, providing their products to restaurant owners, managers, and other buyers.

They may also represent companies that lease such equipment.

Their primary role involves understanding the specifications and features of various restaurant equipment such as cooking appliances, refrigeration systems, food preparation tools, and seating furniture, among others.

They communicate these details effectively to potential buyers, showcasing how these products meet their particular needs.

They also typically conduct price negotiations and handle contracts, ensuring to establish a mutually beneficial agreement between the buyer and the seller.

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives often need to stay updated about the latest trends and advancements in restaurant equipment technology, and are responsible for presenting these updates to their clients.

Their job also includes providing after-sales service, addressing any concerns or problems that customers may face with the equipment.

They work closely with the service team to ensure customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships with clients.

In some cases, they may also be required to attend trade shows and industry events to showcase their products, network with potential clients, and stay informed about the competitive landscape.

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative should have the following skills and qualifications that align with your job description:

• Strong knowledge of restaurant equipment and supplies to provide effective solutions to clients.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate product features and benefits clearly to restaurant owners, managers, and chefs.
• Effective negotiation and closing abilities to secure sales and meet targets.
• Interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with restaurant owners, managers, and procurement officers.
• Customer service skills to address customer complaints, inquiries, and follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple clients, meetings, presentations, and proposals efficiently.
• Technical skills to demonstrate the use of restaurant equipment and understand the technical specifications of each product.
• Problem-solving skills to understand the specific needs and challenges of each restaurant and propose the most suitable equipment solutions.
• Experience with CRM software and MS Office to manage contacts, track sales, and generate reports.

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Experience Requirements

Entry-level Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives may have 1 to 2 years of experience in sales or customer service roles, often gained through internships or part-time work.

This can also be supplemented with experience in the restaurant industry, providing them with a broad understanding of the equipment used.

Candidates with around 3 years of experience often have previous roles in sales, such as Sales Associate or Sales Representative, in the restaurant supply or catering equipment sectors.

This experience helps them develop their knowledge of the products and their understanding of the requirements and preferences of restaurant owners.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a strong background in restaurant equipment sales and knowledge of the restaurant industry.

They may also have leadership experience, either in managing a sales team or in supervising a restaurant, making them eligible for roles like Sales Manager or Area Sales Manager.

They are likely experienced in building long-term relationships with clients, negotiating contracts, and meeting sales targets.

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives usually have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Many employers, however, prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, typically in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.

While not always necessary, a background in culinary arts or hospitality can be beneficial as it provides an understanding of the industry’s needs and requirements.

Sales Representatives need strong knowledge about the restaurant equipment they are selling, which often comes from on-the-job training or previous experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen.

Some may choose to pursue certifications in sales or a specific type of restaurant equipment to enhance their credentials and demonstrate their expertise.

Aside from formal education and training, successful Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives often have excellent communication, customer service, and negotiation skills, as well as a keen understanding of market trends and the needs of their client base.

Bilingual or multilingual skills can be a significant advantage in this role, particularly for representatives working with international clients or in diverse regions.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest developments in restaurant equipment and technology is also vital for success in this role.

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Salary Expectations

A Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative earns an average salary of $56,386 (USD) per year.

The earnings may differ based on factors such as years of experience in the field, the size and location of the employing company, and the representative’s negotiation skills.

 

Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative need?

A Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative should have excellent communication skills to effectively sell products and negotiate contracts.

They should be detail-oriented and able to assess the features of different restaurant equipment.

A strong understanding of the restaurant industry, its operations, and its needs is crucial, and a basic knowledge of mechanics or engineering may be beneficial for understanding how the equipment works.

 

Do Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives need a degree?

While some positions may prefer candidates with a degree in business, marketing, or a related field, it is not always a requirement.

Experience in sales, particularly in the restaurant or hospitality industry, can often substitute for formal education.

Some companies may provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with their product line.

 

What should you look for in a Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative resume?

Check for previous experience in sales or customer service.

Experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry can also be a bonus, as it may give the candidate inside knowledge of the needs and operations of potential clients.

Look for evidence of successful sales, such as meeting or exceeding sales quotas.

 

What qualities make a good Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative?

A good Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative is persistent, confident, and able to handle rejection without discouragement.

They should be excellent communicators, capable of explaining complex equipment features in easily understandable terms.

They should also be good listeners, able to understand the needs and constraints of their clients to recommend the most suitable equipment.

 

Is it difficult to hire Restaurant Equipment Sales Representatives?

Hiring a Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative can be challenging due to the specific industry knowledge required for the role.

Qualified candidates must not only be skilled in sales, but they must also have a solid understanding of restaurant operations and equipment.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits can attract experienced candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a peek into the dynamic world of a restaurant equipment sales representative.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about selling equipment.

It’s about shaping the culinary industry, one piece of equipment at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive restaurant equipment sales representative job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But why stop at the appetizers?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating finely-tuned job listings or sprucing up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of equipment plays a role in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s shape the culinary world. Together.

How to Become a Restaurant Equipment Sales Representative (Complete Guide)

Freedom in the Workplace: The Most Flexible Jobs for Modern Lives

Unique Career Quests: The Hunt for Unusual Jobs

Skip the Stress: Surprisingly Simple Jobs with Surprisingly Big Payoffs!

Job Joy: The Most Satisfying Careers You Can Have