Strategic Account Manager - K12 in Knoxville, Tennessee at Food Sales East LLC

WHO WE ARE
Food Sales East (FSE) is a leading foodservice sales and marketing agency representing top manufacturers across the Southeast. We are driven by strong values, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to serving customers, manufacturers, and team members with excellence.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We’re seeking a Strategic Account Manager – K12 to support and grow school foodservice programs throughout East Tennessee. In this field-based role, you’ll work directly with School Foodservice Directors and their teams to influence menus, manage USDA Foods allocations, and bring forward product solutions that meet program needs. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy meaningful relationships, strategic planning, and making a difference in K12 nutrition programs.

LOCATION
This role is field-based sales and account management involving local travel, regular in-person customer visits, and weekly time in our Knoxville office. Occasional overnight travel may be required for meetings, food shows, or other events.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
• Manage and grow a portfolio of K12 district accounts across the South Florida market
• Present product solutions and menu concepts that support program goals and nutritional guidelines
• Support USDA Foods utilization, including commodity processing and drawdown tracking
• Manage bid processes: product matching, coding/scrubbing, and documentation
• Conduct product demos, staff trainings, and in-district showcase events
• Meet territory sales goals through proactive outreach and strategic account planning
• Represent FSE and our clients at food shows, state conferences, and school events
• Maintain timely CRM activity records and submit weekly expense reports

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE
• 3–5 years of experience in foodservice brokerage, distribution sales, or school nutrition
• Strong working knowledge of K12 programs, USDA Foods, and commodity processing
• Consultative sales approach with the ability to influence key decision-makers
• Highly organized and self-motivated with excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience is a plus
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for daily field travel
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. and stand for extended periods as needed

WHAT TO EXPECT
• Local travel throughout East Tennessee with occasional overnights
• Time in our local office weekly for collaboration and planning
• Flexibility to attend industry events, trainings, and food shows
• Supportive team culture with clear goals and autonomy in your work

WHAT WE OFFER
• Base salary + performance bonus opportunities
• Car and cell phone allowance
• PTO and company holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company participation
• Paid travel for industry events and trainings
• Ongoing growth and advancement opportunities

Join Us
If you're ready to grow your foodservice career and support K12 programs that make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join the FSE team.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Food Sales East is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.