K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

Affinity Group•Detroit, MI

4d•$70,000 - $75,000•Remote

About The Position

Affinity Group is seeking a K-12 Sales Specialist to drive growth in the Michigan market using our manufacturer clients’ products. This role involves sales development across the assigned territory, including prospecting, lead generation, managing the sales pipeline, and influencing decision-makers to improve K-12 nutrition. The primary responsibility is to conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors, market clients' products, analyze school bids, and strengthen relationships with decision-makers. The specialist will collaborate with the Midwest Senior Director of K-12 and the Bid Team to ensure competitive and strategic presentations. Success in this role requires passion for relationship selling, consultative partnerships, and courageously asking for business to deliver results.

Requirements

2–5 years in K-12 Foodservice Management, K-12 Food & Nutrition Departments, a Food Sales & Marketing Agency, or a National Food Manufacturer.
Maintain confidentiality on strategy, pricing, and data.
Balance multiple priorities and execute against weekly, monthly, and annual goals.
Strong presentation, explanation, and listening skills.
Proactive, takes initiative, and manages territory independently.
Demonstrates empathy and builds collaborative partnerships.
Supports peer mentoring, shares best practices, and promotes team success.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and flexibility for regular travel across Michigan.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM tools, and virtual platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift 20–50 lbs. during events.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors.
Market manufacturer clients' products.
Analyze school bids.
Strengthen relationships with decision-makers.
Collaborate with the Midwest Senior Director of K-12 and the Bid Team.
Schedule and execute in-person sales calls with top-priority customers and manufacturers.
Log all activities in the CRM.
Meet weekly and trimester sales activity goals for calls, presentations, and demos.
Conduct taste testing events and presentations at the district and state level in support of SNA.
Analyze and recap school bids in collaboration with the Bid Team.
Create tailored presentations that highlight Affinity Group products.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with school nutrition leaders and distributors.
Provide K-12 product knowledge and sales practice training to teammates.
Attend industry events as directed by the K-12 Director and market leadership.
Respond to operator calls, emails, and sales leads within 48 hours.
Accurately log activities, follow-ups, and pipeline progress in the CRM.
Work independently and collaborate with team members across markets.
Support non-K-12 events as needed.