Direct Sales Representative, Taste Agent

Reports to: Venture Lead

Full-time contract role: 6 months with potential to extend

Experience level: 1-3 years

Compensation: $50-60k base annually, with uncapped commission incentives

About Taste Agent

Taste Agent is a platform revolutionizing how restaurants connect with social media influencers, trading comped meals for high-quality content and valuable exposure. We're an early-stage Chicago-based startup, moving beyond MVP testing to scale our reach and impact in the food and creator industries. Our team thrives on collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a shared passion for redefining restaurant marketing.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a motivated Direct Sales Representative to join our team on a full-time, 6-month contract basis. This role is central to expanding our reach and shaping the future of our platform.

The Direct Sales Representative is responsible for growing Taste Agent’s footprint across Chicago. You’ll spend most of your time meeting operators in-person, introducing the Taste Agent model, and driving new restaurant sign-ups that fuel platform growth.

This role is ideal for someone early in their sales career who excels in relationship-driven environments and enjoys being constantly on the move.

What You’ll Do

• Visit restaurants and foodservice operators in-person to introduce Taste Agent and pitch our collaboration model
  
  
• Build relationships with owners, managers, and decision-makers that lead to new partner sign-ups
  
  
• Conduct proactive outreach via calls, emails, and walk-ins to generate leads and schedule meetings
  
  
• Deliver short presentations on how Taste Agent works and the benefits for operators
  
  
• Maintain accurate CRM notes, activity logs, and pipeline updates
  
  
• Increase brand visibility by staying active in Chicago’s restaurant and hospitality community
  
  

Who Thrives in This Role

• Enjoys field-based work and face-to-face selling
  
  
• Naturally outgoing, energetic, and comfortable initiating conversations
  
  
• Self-driven, organized, and able to manage a daily outreach schedule
  
  
• Strong curiosity for or firsthand experience in the restaurant industry and how operators promote their business
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years of field sales, customer service, or hospitality experience
  
  
• Restaurant or foodservice background is a plus
  
  
• Strong communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills
  
  
• Ability to use a CRM and manage territory-level activity
  
  
• Reliable means of transportation for travel within the territory
  
  

What Taste Agent Offers

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
  
  
• Clear pathways for career progression as our sales team expands
  
  
• A role that positively impacts local restaurants by supporting their marketing efforts