Regional Sales Manager - K12 Foodservice

Red Gold Careers-Direct Hire Opportunities Available•Collierville, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an expert role focused on K12 Foodservice sales, acting as a primary contact for K12 Foodservice Broker Specialists. The position involves close collaboration with Regional Sales Managers to develop, execute, and measure K12 market plans. Key responsibilities include account management, achieving sales goals for new and existing items, managing direct ship accounts, cultivating relationships with school districts, and handling contract negotiations, bids, and RFPs. The role also encompasses commodity processing program management, business building activities, participation in K12 food shows (some weekends mandatory), customer training, and engagement with K12 organizations. Internal responsibilities include account and market management, spending analysis, pricing changes, time management, and travel. A strong understanding of USDA Child Nutrition Programs is essential, and SNS certification is preferred or can be obtained within two years of hire.

Requirements

4-year college degree (Bachelor's) in Marketing, Management, Nutrition, or Liberal Arts.
3-5 years in food service sales or a food service-related position.
2-4 years of K12/Education sales or operations experience preferred.
Highly effective written communication skills.
Strong presentation skills.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Software, with good proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Proficiency in other computer programs such as AFS/TradePro or other data tracking software applications.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding bids and contracts.
Professional attire and manner.
Ability to delegate to non-subordinates and influence broker partners.
Ability to follow delegated directions and protocol.
Good listening skills.
Good follow-up skills.
Willingness to learn new approaches and ability to execute Red Gold K12 Marketing strategy.
Ability to work in a team environment and be a team player.
Able to travel via car or airplane.
Able to carry and set up displays for food shows.
Able and willing to work weekends.
Able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time (sitting or standing).
Able to use fingers to constantly operate a computer or other office equipment.
Able to regularly walk.
Able to use hands to handle and feel.
Able to reach with both hands and arms.
Able to visually detect, perceive, or recognize in near and far distances.
Able to converse or convey with other individuals.
Occasionally required to crouch.
Occasionally lift/carry items as heavy as 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

SNS Certification preferred; option to work towards certification within 2 years of hire date.
MBA or Master's Degree optional.
FS Broker management experience beneficial & preferred.
Interpersonal Skills related to effective relationship building (customer references).
Key Attributes: Striving, Order, Influence, Intuitive, Proactive, Confident, Articulate.
Ability to delegate to non-subordinates / influence broker partners.
Ability to follow delegated directions and protocol.
SNS Credentials preferred; however, exam can be taken within 24 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for K12 Foodservice Broker Specialists for assigned states and a backup contact for other states.
Collaborate closely with Foodservice Regional Sales Managers (FS RSMs) to develop, execute, and measure K12 market plans and objectives.
Provide ongoing communication with FS RSMs and FS Broker K12 Specialists.
Manage existing and new customer accounts, focusing on relationship building.
Achieve sales goals for new items at existing accounts, growth of current items, and acquisition of new accounts with new items.
Oversee Direct Ship Accounts within the assigned territory to ensure order accuracy and pricing.
Cultivate relationships with Top 100+ Districts in the region and/or Top 5 School Districts in markets with limited Top 100+ Districts.
Handle contract negotiations, bids, and RFPs for Commodity and Commercial K12 Accounts.
Manage Commodity Processing Programs for assigned customers, region, and states at the broker market, district, and state DA levels.
Participate in, initiate, and manage spending analysis for business-building activities.
Participate in K12 Food Shows at national, state, local, and out-of-territory levels, with some weekends mandatory.
Conduct K12 Broker and Customer Training and Workshops.
Engage in leadership roles, workshops, and participation in local, regional, and state School Nutrition Association (SNA) and K12 organizations.
Manage internal accounts and markets, including spending, bids, pricing changes, time management, and travel.
Develop and apply K12 segment-specific knowledge and customized menu solutions for key programs.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs (NSLP, SBP, SFSP, CACFP, FFVP, etc.) and product fit.
Report food safety and quality issues to management.
Monitor, record, and take appropriate actions for specific Food Safety Plan, Food Quality Plan, and prerequisite program requirements.