North American Program Sales Category Specialist

Gordon Food Service•Michigan, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The North American Program Sales Category Specialist serves as the strategic lead and GFS Brand Champion for assigned product categories within the Program Sales segment with a heavy emphasis on National Multi-Unit Accounts across North America. Maintains the direct ownership of customer and vendor relationships within product categories to drive and secure profitable growth. Acts as the primary architect for high-impact product conversions within a multi billion dollar segment, leveraging strong financial acumen to maximize Gordon Food Service (GFS) sales and margin returns, all while operating in a grey and complex environment. Executes full-cycle category management, from developing growth strategies to negotiating and authorizing customer-specific program pricing and vendor contracts. Proactively leads cross-functional collaboration with National Account Sales Teams to deliver consultative solutions that ensure long-term category health and brand loyalty.

Requirements

Five or more years previous marketing/sales experience with emphasis in product/category/supply chain knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Marketing, Sales, or other related field required
Must be results oriented and have excellent team skills
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, resource and time management skills
Strong financial acumen
Demonstrates exceptional active listening, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively present findings, share strategies, and collaborate with teams.
Possesses strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects, create and follow processes, and deliver results on time.
Applies knowledge of marketing, product merchandising, and customer service principles to meet customer needs and ensure satisfaction.
Leverages business and management principles to drive strategic planning, foster creativity, and generate innovative ideas.
Utilizes logic, data analysis, and critical thinking to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Proficient in using analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Access) to provide insights and support decision-making.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes category-specific growth strategies for National & Regional Multi-Unit Accounts, with full accountability for profit targets.
Leverages Data & Analytics to prescribe and execute data-driven product conversion and marketing strategies directly aimed at improving GFS Brand sales & margin.
Supports NA Multi Unit Accounts product development activities to maximize Gordon Food Service (GFS) sales and profits of assigned product lines.
Serves as the strategic architect for all customer-led RFPs within assigned categories. Conducts the end to end analytical framework and go to market recommendations.
Negotiates and authorizes customer-specific program pricing and vendor contracts
Cultivates and leverages a high-impact strategic network across the Enterprise, Vendor Community, and Field Leadership to drive cross-functional alignment and accelerate the achievement of North American business objectives.
Acts as the strategic category consultant for end customers and vendors for assigned categories.
Leverages data and analytics to pinpoint and capture incremental margin & case growth opportunities with the Program Sales Segment.
Provides problem analysis and resolution to customer and National Account Sales Team on product related concerns.
Performs other duties as assigned.