Sales Associate

Join Aotearoa’s leading food service distributor and grow your career with a company that values innovation, whanaungatanga (relationships), and excellence.

We’re looking for a driven and experienced Sales Associate to join our Taranaki team on a fulltime basis.

Position Snapshot

• Start date: Mid-February 2026
• Employment type: Permanent, fulltime
• Location: Saltash Street, Vogeltown, New Plymouth

Te tūranga | The Role

This is a dynamic, on‑the‑road role—perfect for someone who enjoys face‑to‑face engagement and building meaningful customer relationships. You will be a key connection between our clients and our business, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations exceeded.

Alongside your time on the road, you’ll spend several hours each week in our New Plymouth office to collaborate with the wider team, stay aligned on business priorities, and complete essential administrative tasks.

This role reports to our Taranaki Site Manager, and all Sales Associates across our branches are supported by our Head Office in Auckland, including upskilling, sales technique training, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of existing customer accounts
• Prospect and convert new clients across the Taranaki region
• Visit customers regularly to strengthen relationships and understand their needs
• Maintain a consistent call cycle to ensure exceptional customer service
• Visit customers on a regular basis – build relationship
• Negotiate and close sales, aiming to consistently exceed targets
• Work closely with Procurement and Warehouse teams to align supply with demand
• Provide tailored, customer‑centric solutions

Ngā āhuatanga kei a koe | About You

You’re a confident communicator who thrives on building strong, lasting customer relationships. You enjoy working autonomously, embrace a challenge, and have a solutions‑focused approach.

✅ You’ll Bring:

• Proven sales experience, ideally within food service or hospitality
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Salesforce experience an advantage)
• A self‑motivated, independent work ethic
• A tertiary qualification (preferred)
• Knowledge of the food service industry (advantageous)

Ngā painga | What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Career development opportunities in a fast‑growing, innovative organisation
• A supportive and inclusive team culture
• The chance to make a real impact in a key regional role

Mō mātou | About Us

At Service Foods, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and premium‑quality products to New Zealand’s food service and hospitality industry. As the country’s largest privately owned and operated, fully integrated food distribution business, we’re proud to have been recognised by Deloitte as one of New Zealand’s Best Managed Companies in both 2023 and 2024.

We’re more than just a business—we’re a whānau. We foster a dynamic, inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued and your growth is supported.

Mō Service Foods | Working with Us

Our values—creativity, resilience, inclusivity, collaboration, work ethic, and humility—guide everything we do. We celebrate the diversity of Aotearoa and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If you’re a motivated, results‑driven professional with a passion for the food service industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter via our Careers Page.
Please note: Applications will only be accepted through our online portal.

Ngā Herenga | Requirements

• ✅NZ citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa
• ✅ Successful candidates will undergo reference checks, Ministry of Justice & ACC checks, and pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening