Territory Field Sales Representative - Chicago North Suburbs, IL

Who is Basemakers?

Basemakers is one of the most trusted retail sales management companies in the food and beverage industry. After hitting the INC 500/5000 list of the fastest growing privately-held companies in America four consecutive times, we’re expanding our sales services to continue our growth. At the heart of our success is our unwavering belief in the transformative power of relationships—this is the ethos that propels us forward. We are not just a company; we are a dynamic force for change, partnering with trailblazing brands like Olipop, Guayaki (Yerba Madre), Nixie, C20 Coconut Water, and Honey Stinger. These partnerships help turn innovative products into household names. Our approach goes beyond retail sales and merchandising; we forge deep connections with brands, communities, and individuals who are driven to make a meaningful impact. Join Basemakers, and be part of a team that’s reshaping the world of CPG, one relationship at a time.

Be a Basemaker

Our Basemakers are committed to living our core values:

P - We PURSUE EXCELLENCE 

I  -  We act with INTEGRITY 

T - We choose TEAMWORK

C - We COMMUNICATE WELL

H - We bring HEART 

The Opportunity

Basemakers is seeking a full-time, outside field sales and merchandising representative for one of our Florida territories, commuting in routes daily around Northbrook, Gurnee, Des Plaines. Our field representatives are the heartbeat of the organization. As an independent and highly collaborative role, you will visit around 6-8 grocery stores per day (such as Whole Foods, Jewel Osco, Fresh Market, Heinen's, Mariano's), using the Basemaker's Way to improve the in-store presence of brands. Working with brand products and grocery store decision-makers, you will leverage relationships and work to become a trusted advisor while increasing brand's sales velocity through problem-solving. As a self-motivated, high-achieving, team-oriented, and coachable person, most importantly, you will operate with the utmost integrity as you represent both brands and Basemakers in the community.

Responsibilities

Work 100% of the time in the field from your vehicle and in grocery stores merchandising and selling for multiple brands.

Work the hours required each week to visit every store on a specified route, generally as frequently as 2-3 times a month.

Work Monday-Friday, with work beginning in the early morning hours or, if necessary, no later than 9:00 AM. You may be asked or expected to work on Saturday or Sunday to make-up time missed during the workweek if necessary.

Work independently with little supervision while collaborating with grocery store managers, brand-company representatives, and internally with Basemakers' Brand Partner Managers, District Managers and Sales Directors.

Capture brand data (e.g., photos, typing notes, filling out forms) as the feet on the ground, in-store for our brand partners using mobile phone apps (Repsly, Slack, Gmail, Google Workspace).

Take full ownership of all in-store presence for our brands. This includes improving the in-store presence of brands through display execution, void filling, off-shelf displays & placements, relationships with grocery managers, performing and working collaboratively on effective merchandising and selling points (secondary/tertiary placements, proper shelf management positions, rack, equipment, POS placements), and understanding real in-store needs and pain points through asking questions and being willing to help store staff when applicable.

Who You Are (Qualifications)

You have a positive mindset, are driven to accomplish, have a high degree of emotional intelligence and grit, and are coachable and detail oriented.

Growth mentality and goals are familiar to you.

Strong problem solving, analytic, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Experience working in or closely with grocery store operations or the ability to learn nuances of grocery store backgrounds quickly.

Experience working in "route" sales experience, brand ambassadorship, brand vendor sales, merchandising, general retail, or similar territory sales. 

Premium selling skills are preferred, or the desire to quickly learn and apply sales techniques.

Passion to represent our Brand Partners, mainly in the natural, organic and specialty food and beverage space.

Track record of success in a highly self-directed environment.

Maintain a high level of communication across team members, including comfort initiating multiple lines of communication through smartphone apps over the internet.

Achieve monthly key performance indicators (KPI’s) and metrics set by supervisors. 

Professional demeanor and representation in working with coworkers, distributors, retail representatives and consumers.

You have a valid license, clean driving record, registration, and auto insurance.

You are willing to drive many miles per day in your own own vehicle. Be willing to transport promotional materials such as POS or signage, etc., and very rarely, minimal product quantities (a trunk or back seat is enough).

Capacity to perform the physical requirements of the position individually while utilizing in-store tools.

Physical Requirements

Our field reps work at periodically moderate to high levels of physical activity including standing, walking, reaching and grasping. You will be expected to climb ladders, bend and kneel to obtain and move products around the store. You should be able to lift 10 lbs. consistently and 50 lbs. occasionally.

Compensation

$60,256 OTE at average levels: 

$46,000 base salary + $1,188 estimated average monthly commissions (expected range: $294 lows to $2,366 highs per month. Commissions potential is uncapped). $350 monthly vehicle reimbursement.

The commission amounts provided are based on the calculation of the average attained during the last 12 months while looking at the lowest and highest performing months, and are not guaranteed.

Commission is based on personal performance in taking advantage of the opportunities to provide "wins" for brands in the form of additional or incremental placements and exposure opportunities within the grocery stores. This job is highly dependent on personal effort for getting commission.

Benefits You'll Enjoy

Uncapped performance-based commissions

Monthly vehicle and cell phone reimbursements

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k plan with employer match

Frontloaded PTO

8 paid holidays

Monthly amount to recognize and be recognized by others.

Company events: quarterly get-togethers, annual all-company meetings.

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