Regional Partnerships Manager - Institutional Sales

About The Common Market:

The Common Market is a mission-driven nonprofit local food distributor dedicated to connecting communities with fresh, sustainably grown food from family farms. We work to strengthen regional food systems while expanding access to high-quality, nutritious food in schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Regional Partnerships Manager – Institutional Sales who is passionate about building relationships and expanding access to local, sustainable food. This role focuses on growing institutional sales by engaging universities, hospitals, and school districts in Southwest Michigan , including Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, and surrounding areas.

The ideal candidate is an experienced outside salesperson with strong networks in education and healthcare institutions. They thrive on building meaningful partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving revenue growth while supporting our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and expand partnerships with universities, hospitals, and school districts to increase institutional sales of local food.
• Leverage existing networks to identify decision-makers and build strong relationships with food service directors, procurement officers, and administrators.
• Create and execute strategic sales plans to grow revenue and market presence in Southwest Michigan.
• Conduct outreach and presentations to showcase The Common Market’s value proposition and impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless customer experience and fulfillment.
• Stay informed about institutional food procurement trends, policy changes, and funding opportunities.
• Track and report on sales performance, pipeline development, and key account activity.

Requirements

• Proven experience in outside sales, business development, or institutional partnerships. Experience in food distribution, sustainability, or nonprofit sales is a plus.

• Strong existing networks in universities, hospitals, and school districts in Southwest Michigan.
• Passion for mission-driven work and deep understanding of institutional food procurement.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence key stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Ability to travel regularly within the region to meet with potential and existing partners.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $68,000 annually (paid biweekly).
• Bonus Potential: Up to $20,000 annually for achieving revenue goals (paid quarterly).
• Make an impact by connecting institutions with healthy, local food while supporting family farms.
• Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team working to build a better food system.
• Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and expanding organization.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match)
• Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)