Regional Sales Manager - K12 Foodservice

Red Gold, Inc.•Siloam Springs, AR

51d•Remote

About The Position

The Regional Sales Manager (RSM) for K12 Foodservice will act as an expert advisor, primarily supporting K12 Foodservice Broker Specialists within their assigned states. This role involves close collaboration with Foodservice RSMs to develop, execute, and measure K12 market plans and objectives, maintaining ongoing communication with both FS RSMs and FS Broker K12 Specialists. The position focuses on account management, including cultivating existing and new customers, achieving sales goals for new and existing items, and managing direct ship accounts to ensure order accuracy and pricing. A key responsibility is cultivating relationships with top school districts within the region and developing strategies for contract negotiations, bids, and RFPs for commodity and commercial K12 accounts, working closely with the Red Gold HQ bid support team. The role also includes managing the Commodity Processing Program for assigned customers and regions, participating in business-building activities such as food shows (some weekends mandatory), training, and engaging with K12 organizations. Internal account management, spending analysis, and managing bids, pricing, time, and travel are also crucial aspects of this position. The role requires a strong understanding of the K12 segment, customized menu solutions, and knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs. SNS certification is preferred, with an option to obtain it 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.
FS Broker management experience beneficial and preferred.
Highly Effective written communication skills.
Strong Presentation Skills.
Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Office Software (good proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
Proficiency in 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 and 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.

Nice To Haves

SNS Certification preferred; option to work towards certification within 2 years of hire date.
MBA or Master’s Degree optional.
SNS Credentials preferred; however, exam can be taken within 24 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary K12 Foodservice (FS) Advisor for assigned states, acting as a backup contact for other states.
Collaborate closely with FS RSMs to develop, execute, and measure K12 market plans and objectives.
Maintain ongoing communication with FS RSMs and FS Broker K12 Specialists.
Achieve sales goals related to new items at existing accounts, growth of current items, and acquisition of new accounts with new items.
Manage Direct Ship Accounts within the assigned territory, ensuring order accuracy, pricing, and other details.
Cultivate relationships with Top 100+ Districts in the region and/or Top 5 School Districts in markets with limited Top 100+ Districts.
Lead contract negotiations, bids, and RFPs for Commodity and Commercial K12 Accounts, working with the Red Gold HQ bid support team.
Manage the Commodity Processing Program for assigned customers, region, and states at the broker market, district, and state DA levels.
Participate in and initiate business-building activities, including spending analysis.
Participate in K12 Food Shows (national, state, local, out-of-territory), with some weekends being mandatory.
Conduct K12 Broker and Customer Training and Workshops.
Engage with Local, Regional, and State School Nutrition Association (SNA) and K12 organizations, potentially taking on leadership roles.
Manage internal accounts and markets, including spending, bids, pricing changes, time management, and travel.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs (NSLP, SBP, SFSP, CACFP, FFVP, etc.) and how products fit these programs.
Sell customized menu solutions to key programs within the K12 segment.
Monitor, record, and take appropriate actions for specific Food Safety Plan and Food Quality Plan and prerequisite program requirements.
Report food safety and quality issues to management.