About The Role

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS ® , SKIPPY ® , SPAM ® , HORMEL ® NATURAL CHOICE ® , APPLEGATE ® , WHOLLY ® , HORMEL ® BLACK LABEL ® , COLUMBUS ® , JENNIE-O ® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com .

Job Title

Entry Level Foodservice Sales Representative

Job Purpose: Foodservice Sales Representatives are responsible for calling on a variety of existing customers with the objective of increasing sales for their area team

Foodservice Sales Responsibilities

The Foodservice Group is responsible for the sales and marketing of all products to both commercial and non-commercial foodservice operations. The primary customer is the foodservice distributor, who buys our products and re-distributes them to foodservice operators such as restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, etc. You will spend much of your time bringing new products, usage ideas, and merchandising ideas to the operators, and educate distributor personnel on why they should be selling Hormel products.

Hormel Foods sells indirectly in the foodservice division, means products are delivered to end users via a foodservice distributor such as SYSCO and US Foods, the two largest distributors in the country.

As a Hormel Foods foodservice salesperson, you will have the potential to call on hundreds of foodservice operators. Our marketing department also provides multiple tools to help you educate the foodservice distributors and operators.

Foodservice Sales Training

Sales Representatives will be assigned to one of our 21 area offices throughout the United States and spend between 8-12 months training, on average. This program consists of joining an area team where you will learn about Hormel products, the Company, competitor products, industry dynamics, selling techniques, marketing responsibilities and our overall business model and strategy. Your time will be spent both in the office and in the market making sales calls and consulting our wide variety of customers.

New sales hires embark on a comprehensive development journey that includes four in-person training seminar experiences during their first 15 months. These immersive sessions feature a wide array of sales and marketing presentations led by our Foodservice corporate staff. Topics include product presentations, strategic sales techniques, production facility tours, and professional development workshops.

In addition to these seminars, all new hires participate in a robust training program that blends online learning modules with mentor-guided, hands-on sales experience ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in their roles.

Foodservice Sales Advancement

Relocation is important in advancing a sales and marketing career at Hormel Foods. A typical career will involve 2-3 promotions within the first five years, and each promotion usually requires relocating. Successful Sales Representatives advance to Territory Managers A and AA, Account Executives and Senior Account Executives. Success in sales may also lead to advanced positions such as Sale Leadership, Chain Account Sales, Marketing, or other corporate positions such as Sales Training, Insight Manager or Segment Specialist. Hormel Foods promote-from-within philosophy rewards outstanding performance with rapid advancement.

Job Responsibilities

Increase business by adding products to distribution and expanding the usage of existing Hormel Foods products
Implement marketing strategies for their products
Receive training on Hormel Foods products, selling techniques, and business planning

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Professional Selling, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Hospitality, Hotel/Restaurant Management, or a related field. 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher preferred.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of a variety of Hormel Foods products, which may include but not limited to, pork, beef, chicken, and peanuts
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive for extended periods of time.
Must be open to relocation

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas.

Hours

This is a full-time, salaried position.

Location(s)

This is an on-site position and multiple locations are available. Location will be discussed during interview process, and availability is subject to current business needs.
Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote entry level career opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

Competitive weekly pay of $1,325 ($68,900 annually)
Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses
Paid time off (PTO) accrual
Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company
Professional development opportunities and networking experiences
Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities
Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: Inclusion and Belonging - About - Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.