Area Sales Manager, K-12

Kinsa is recruiting for an: Area Sales Manager, K–12 – Food Manufacturing
Location: Greater Bay Area, CA – Hybrid work environment available

Our client is a high-volume institutional food manufacturer and service provider supporting educational and community-based meal programs. The mission for the Area Sales Manager, K–12 is to lead growth efforts across K–12 school systems and adjacent institutional markets through strategic outreach, RFP management, and pipeline development. This role will focus on high-volume meal sales to organizations such as public and charter schools, higher education, healthcare systems, and senior living communities.

Reporting to the COO, the Area Sales Manager will help expand business across seasonal and year-round programs and may assume leadership over a Customer Service Manager as the sales team scales.

Successful candidates MUST HAVE 5+ years of experience in institutional food sales, ideally in K–12, with relevant experience in higher education, healthcare, or senior living as strong alternatives.

Compensation/Benefits:
• $110,000 – $120,000 base salary + Commission
• Company contribution toward medical, dental, vision, life, STD, and LTD benefits
• 401(k) with company match; Paid vacation and holidays
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Relocation assistance is not provided

Key Responsibilities and Goals:
• Lead outbound sales initiatives targeting public, private, and charter K–12 schools
• Develop and manage a healthy sales pipeline through proactive outreach and networking
• Monitor school and institutional procurement activity for RFP opportunities
• Lead RFP response process from planning to submission, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment
• Identify opportunities in summer, enrichment, and year-round meal programs
• Explore adjacent verticals such as higher education, senior care, and healthcare institutions
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and relevant stakeholder meetings

Competencies Needed for Success:
• 5+ years of success in institutional food sales – with a strong preference for K–12 experience
• Familiarity with government procurement processes and foodservice compliance
• Proven ability to develop proposals and manage contract renewals
• Strong analytical, spreadsheet, and CRM skills; Salesforce or HubSpot proficiency a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication; Spanish is a plus
• Organized, strategic, and able to operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Must be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Travel required up to 50–75%, including client visits, conferences, and events

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need.

If you know someone with these qualifications in the food and beverage industry, please share this opportunity or send their contact details our way. Kinsa offers referral bonuses for successful placements!

Explore more food & beverage roles:
? https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/

Hiring in the industry? View our top talent:
? https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-talent/

Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Mattice
stephaniem@kinsa.com