chicago custom foods jobs

Chicago Meat Authority (CMA) is proud to have celebrated 36 years in the food industry. Located in Chicago’s historic Stockyards, CMA is a forward thinking processor of value added beef, pork, and poultry items with a strong focus on selling the Healthcare, Hotel, and Institutional Markets (HRI), meat purveyors, and Multi-unit regional and national chains up to and including big box stores. In addition, CMA specializes in custom cuts for further processors including but not limited to grinding operations, deli manufacturers, and the prepared entrée market.

CMA is growing and seeking ambitious, motivated people who want to launch their sales career in the meat industry. This is a phone-based sales role where you’ll learn how to prospect, build relationships, and generate revenue. No prior experience in the food industry is necessary — we provide comprehensive training to teach you the meat business from the ground up. This entry-level position offers hands-on learning and the opportunity to gain valuable industry skills and knowledge. What we need from you is energy, persistence, and the ability to curate and manage a pipeline of qualified leads.

Why CMA?

At CMA, we don’t just hire salespeople – we build them. You’ll start in a high-energy sales role, learning the meat business and building a sales foundation that can lead to a long-term career. You’ll be involved in day-to-day sales activity and see how your work directly contributes to the business.

What You Get To Do:

• Make outbound calls to prospective customers using provided target lists to generate new business opportunities.
• Support existing CMA customers by building relationships and assisting with day-to-day inquiries and needs.
• Participate in structured training to learn CMA’s product line and gain foundational knowledge of the meat industry.
• Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and sales activity in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.
• Work closely with senior sales team members to develop core sales skills and grow within the organization.
• Assist with basic sales reporting, forecasting support, and internal coordination with operations as needed.
• Provide general support to the sales and operations teams, taking on additional tasks and projects as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Agriculture preferred; motivated individuals eager to launch a career in the sales industry.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to build confidence in a phone-based sales environment.
• Self-motivated, positive, and coachable — open to feedback and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with clear goals and support.
• Basic computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and willingness to learn CRM systems.

What We Value:

• Outgoing personality with great communication skills
• Goal-oriented and motivated by results
• Comfortable working in face-to-face environments

Compensation:

• Base salary: $50,000 - $60,000
• Bonus potential

Benefits:

• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, LifeLock)
• 401(k) Employer Match - 50% of your first 6%
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Employee Perks:

• Meat Purchase Program
• On-site fitness center
• Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan

We Are Winning When:

We follow and are guided by our mission and we demonstrate our values every day!

"To be the preferred supplier of our customers, the preferred customer of our strategic suppliers, and a model employer in our industry."

Chicago Meat Authority, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.