Route Sales Professional-Chicago, IL

At Utz , we're more than just a snack company—we're a family-founded brand with over 100 years of heritage and a bold vision for the future. Our iconic portfolio, including Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border , is fueling our mission to become the fastest-growing pure‑play U.S. snacking company of scale .

The Opportunity: Route Sales Professional (RSP) – Chicago, IL

The Route Sales Professional (RSP) operates in an assigned territory to grow our market share and deliver premium snack foods to our customers. The RSP spends over half of their working hours conducting sales activities in the field and at customer locations, rather than at the employer's business premises, and exercises independent judgment in managing the assigned route, making decisions regarding sales activities, inventory management, and customer relations. The position is ideal for individuals with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional sales acumen, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Grow the route to help market for sale. This role will have the chance to work in multiple geographies and, if interested, have an opportunity to gain experience in other roles within the organization.

What You'll Do:

• Act as the primary sales contact for all Utz retailers and customers within an assigned territory, serving as their exclusive point of contact.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with key store management and decision-makers.
• Provide recommendations to store personnel to enhance return on investment (ROI) through optimal product displays and merchandising strategies.
• Assess inventory on site and determine appropriate purchase quantities and product varieties to ensure consistent product availability.
• Upsell and introduce new Utz products to both new and existing customers/retailers.
• Identify opportunities for impactful product displays to increase consumer engagement and sales.
• Negotiate product, placement, displays, and mix with store management.
• Solicit, process, and promptly fulfill product orders related to sales activities.
• Ensure proper product rotation and remove outdated or non-saleable items to maintain quality and maximize sales.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making regarding inventory needs, especially during promotional periods.

What You Bring:

Experience:

• Previous route sales experience and knowledge of the snack foods industry preferred.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Systems such as D365 highly preferred.

Skills:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be 21 years of age or older and able to obtain a DOT medical card.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to operate a route sales delivery step van or box truck safely and competently.
• Physical ability to walk, sit, talk, bend, stand, twist, push, and pull frequently and for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, load, and transport products using a hand truck.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to various temperatures.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced environment that requires organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility to perform at levels to meet peak demands in periods of high volume and activity.

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their careers and live their healthiest lives. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-match 401(k) and profit-sharing, bonus/commission plan
• Employee stock purchase plan

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

• Due to nature of work, must be at least 19 years of age.
• Previous sales experience preferred.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a route sales delivery step van in a safe and competent manner.
• Requires the passing of the Utz On-line Defensive Driving Program.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry and transport products into accounts through the use of a hand truck in order to fulfill RSP's own sales.