About the role
Direct Sales Representative, Taste Agent
- Reports to: Venture Lead
- Full-time contract role: 6 months with potential to extend
- Experience level: 1-3 years
- Compensation: $50-60k base annually, with uncapped commission incentives
About Taste Agent
Taste Agent is a platform revolutionizing how restaurants connect with social media influencers, trading comped meals for high-quality content and valuable exposure. We're an early-stage Chicago-based startup, moving beyond MVP testing to scale our reach and impact in the food and creator industries. Our team thrives on collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a shared passion for redefining restaurant marketing.
Who We’re Looking For
- We’re seeking a motivated Direct Sales Representative to join our team on a full-time, 6-month contract basis. This role is central to expanding our reach and shaping the future of our platform.
- The Direct Sales Representative is responsible for growing Taste Agent’s footprint across Chicago. You’ll spend most of your time meeting operators in-person, introducing the Taste Agent model, and driving new restaurant sign-ups that fuel platform growth.
- This role is ideal for someone early in their sales career who excels in relationship-driven environments and enjoys being constantly on the move.
What You’ll Do
- Visit restaurants and foodservice operators in-person to introduce Taste Agent and pitch our collaboration model
- Build relationships with owners, managers, and decision-makers that lead to new partner sign-ups
- Conduct proactive outreach via calls, emails, and walk-ins to generate leads and schedule meetings
- Deliver short presentations on how Taste Agent works and the benefits for operators
- Maintain accurate CRM notes, activity logs, and pipeline updates
- Increase brand visibility by staying active in Chicago’s restaurant and hospitality community
Who Thrives in This Role
- Enjoys field-based work and face-to-face selling
- Naturally outgoing, energetic, and comfortable initiating conversations
- Self-driven, organized, and able to manage a daily outreach schedule
- Strong curiosity for or firsthand experience in the restaurant industry and how operators promote their business
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of field sales, customer service, or hospitality experience
- Restaurant or foodservice background is a plus
- Strong communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to use a CRM and manage territory-level activity
- Reliable means of transportation for travel within the territory
What Taste Agent Offers
- Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
- Clear pathways for career progression as our sales team expands
- A role that positively impacts local restaurants by supporting their marketing efforts