Business Development – Foodservice/Restaurants/Chains

Apply to 500+ LinkedIn Jobs Automatically

Business Development Representative – Foodservice (Restaurant Chains)
Location: On-site | Fort Walton Beach, Florida
(This position is in-office. Remote or hybrid applicants will not be considered.)

Company Overview:
G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc. is an industry leader in the manufacturing of authentic Italian gelato, sorbetto, non-dairy frozen desserts, and soft serve. With national distribution and partnerships across foodservice and retail, our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer collaboration has made us a trusted solution for some of the country’s most recognized names.

We are seeking a driven and experienced Business Development Representative – Foodservice to expand our footprint within multi-unit restaurant chains and foodservice operations. The ideal candidate brings a strong network, a strategic mindset, and the follow-through to convert opportunity into long-term partnerships. This role is for someone who thrives on making meaningful connections, presenting best-in-class frozen dessert solutions, and building business that fits both our capabilities and the customer's goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and pursue new sales leads through a mix of industry research and existing relationships in the foodservice sector.

• Develop opportunities with regional and national restaurant chains, hospitality groups, and other foodservice operators.

• Present G.S. Gelato’s product line through engaging tastings, menu ideation, and compelling presentations that generate excitement and convey passion.

• Use strong business judgment to assess opportunities, balancing customization with scalability and long-term strategic fit.

• Travel for client meetings, broker visits, trade shows, and industry events—minimum 30% travel required.

• Meet monthly, quarterly, and annual sales quotas and provide regular performance updates to leadership.

• Manage the sales pipeline from first contact to close, with clear documentation in CRM (Hubspot) and consistent follow-up.

• Evaluate cost and ROI of programs, samples, promotions, travel, and marketing expenses to ensure efficient spend.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, culinary, operations, and customer service teams to ensure smooth onboarding and long-term success.

• Understand and manage pricing structures, contracts, and distribution relationships within the foodservice channel.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in foodservice sales, with a strong record of success in the restaurant or hospitality segment.

• Established contacts with restaurant chains or multi-unit foodservice operators preferred.

• Experience using samples and product tastings as a core selling strategy.

• Strong ability to evaluate which opportunities align with company capabilities, while remaining open-minded and curious in the discovery phase.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including comfort presenting to executive-level decision-makers and culinary teams alike.

• Skilled at managing time and territory, with strong self-discipline and follow-through.

• Team player mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

• CRM experience required (Hubspot preferred), along with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Fort Walton Beach, FL. This is an on-site position.

Compensation:
Competitive base salary plus commission, with opportunity for growth based on performance.

Benefits:

· Health Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· 401k

· Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities
• Commission pay

Experience:

• Sales: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person