K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

Affinity Group•Frederick, MD

6d•$65,000 - $72,000

About The Position

The Affinity Group Segment Specialist (K-12) is responsible for planning and executing a customized sales strategy for their unique segment of K-12 and education accounts. This position is deeply knowledgeable in key account segment and builds and maintains close relationships with the Food Service Directors and the Chefs at all assigned operators. The Segment Specialist (K-12) is always available to their clients, contacting them on a regular basis, participating in local functions, cutting/demonstrating products, training and educating the key personnel and always working to better understand their product needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED
3+ years experience in the food industry sales or operations
Ability to execute and follow through a sales plan.
A positive, professional, and proactive attitude.
Strong communication skills.
Works well with teams and has strong motivational skills.
Holistic approach to menu planning with multiple brands and manufacturers.
Experts in tracking legislation and selling through regulations that impact district menus.
Culinary support to partner in practical meal planning.
Know-how in leveraging commodity pricing and programs.
Stewards of health and wellness initiatives.
Leaders in supporting hot trends like breakfast, after school meals, summer feeding programs.
Innovative marketing programs and K–12 industry partnerships.
Adept at building trust and credibility.
Planning and organizational skills.
Strong problem solving and strategic planning skills.
Using the CRM System daily.
Call Reporting in CRM System.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Some college preferred

Responsibilities

Designs and implements customized sales strategies, in conjunction with the Director of K12 , aimed at their segment of key accounts.
Works closely with the entire sales force and openly discusses go to market strategies, competitive reconnaissance, successes, and challenges.
Stays up-to-date and knowledgeable about the operators in their account segment and acts as a resource and solution provider for their customers.
Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the key distributors in the local market in order to gain buy in and support to stock and sell distributors products.
Understands each of the following for their strategic accounts: menu rotations, population and trends, desired cost structure in each segment of the menu, opportunities to penetrate or convert items, training and education of products, and multiple uses for products.
Maintains an up to date profile folder of each customer; utilizes the CRM system weekly to report on sales call activity, updates and follow ups, in addition to customer profile management.
Communicates any changes of usage positive or negative, as well as changes on who will distribute to the strategic account.
Provides sales results and updates to manufacturers on an as needed basis.
Maintains samples in assigned office.
Addresses client’s quality control issues and communicates the process for resolving issues.
Participates in visits to key strategic accounts and has a prepared itinerary a week in. advance.
Is able to cook food products and put menu combinations together to aid in the sale process.
Other duties as assigned