Produce Specialist

Sysco • Philadelphia, PA

399d

About The Position

The Produce Specialist at Sysco is a professional sales role focused on driving new business within the fresh produce category. The position aims to achieve assigned business goals while enhancing customer experiences through direct selling and maintaining industry certifications. The specialist will utilize market insights and data analytics to prioritize sales efforts and develop targeted strategies for profitable growth.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of sales experience within a retail, broker, wholesale or distribution environment (deep technical expertise of produce categories).
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent educational level (preferred).
• Proficiency in produce knowledge and trends required (Internal Certification & External Certification may be required).
• Analytical problem-solving skills, including familiarity with analyzing reports and deriving insights from data.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to properly plan and execute business plans.
• Track record of success in the area of consultative selling, networking and negotiations.
• Proficient communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with and influence a variety of key stakeholders.
• Experience building trust with prospective customers and securing new business.
• Strong business and restaurant operations acumen to manage sophisticated customers.
• Ability to learn the use of proprietary CRM tools for planning and forecasting sales growth.
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple initiatives at the same time.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of marketing principles, product lines, ordering procedures and Sysco's credit terms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve region and individual annual business goals, delivering profitable sales growth and penetration across the fresh produce category, specialty segments, and Sysco brand.
• Identify the needs of customers and prospects to assemble a product mix that delivers solutions and helps achieve business objectives.
• Utilize data analytics to prioritize produce opportunities.
• Actively seek, qualify, and support top prospect conversion to Sysco.
• Be informed of market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided.
• Track activities and results, collaborate on opportunities, and champion the team selling process through use of Salesforce (Sysco's CRM tool).
• Leverage sampling in a solutions-oriented manner to close sales.
• Provide feedback to specialty companies and merchandising on product quality, product integrity, product mix, customer satisfaction, perceived value and competition.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, chefs and sales team members.
• Support execution of prioritized sales strategies through direct selling and engagement of customers and prospects at Sysco events (e.g. food shows, industry events).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: High school or GED