Route Sales Representative - Lewiston

Flowers Foods•Lewiston, ME

1d•$70,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Route Sales Representative (RSR) is responsible for ordering, selling, delivering, and merchandising nationally and locally branded fresh baked products, while developing relationships with customers’ managers and other personnel. The position is assigned to a company route serving retail customers, restaurants, and institutions, with the goal of maximizing sales by meeting customer expectations and following established best practices. The RSR drives incremental sales by executing market programs and providing excellent customer service. Service must occur during customer-designated windows, which may require non-traditional business hours, weekends, or holidays. The role requires eagerness to gain industry knowledge and learn the skills needed for success. The RSR serves as both a sales associate and delivery driver. Responsibilities include planning and placing orders, merchandising and rotating fresh products, expanding shelf space and promotional displays, maintaining customer relationships, completing route settlements and inventory, and reviewing sales and performance data. The representative also operates and inspects a commercial motor vehicle, maintains vehicle and driver records, and complies with company, safety, and transportation regulations. The salary range is $70,000–$85,000. Flowers Foods offers full-time employees comprehensive health and medical benefits, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, professional growth and leadership training, paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave. Benefits may vary by work location.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be able to obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Must meet fleet insurance guidelines related to the Motor Vehicle Record.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of related experience in retail sales, direct store delivery (DSD) sales, and/or business-to-business sales.

Responsibilities

Act as a sales associate and delivery driver to drive retail and territory sales.
Use internal sales data and company marketing plans to plan, order, and execute sales-growth opportunities with customers.
Establish and maintain customer relationships, communicate sales solutions, and improve customer satisfaction.
Order products using the online order planner to ensure customers receive fresh product.
Increase sales through shelf-space expansion and in-store promotions and displays.
Follow the assigned route structure, stop sequence, and service times to improve efficiency and maintain consistent customer service.
Follow retailer and account operating procedures, including check-in/check-out requirements and service windows.
Rotate products and remove damaged or out-of-code products in accordance with the fresh market policy.
Follow each brand and product’s shelf-life cycle, rotating and stocking backstock before merchandising the next fresh delivery.
Complete daily route settlement requirements, verify product quantities, invoice the correct account, and follow cash-collection policy.
Perform accurate weekly inventory using a handheld computer at designated accounts and on designated days.
Support new-product introductions using retailer playbooks and obtain shelf space and promotional displays to execute rollouts and encourage consumer trial.
Obtain account decision-makers’ authorization for promotional displays and assemble and position displays to increase visibility and sales.
Review weekly route analysis to identify product voids and sales opportunities.
Review key performance indicators to reduce costs and drive sales.
Follow customer shelf schematics and planograms to meet customer and brand-team objectives.
Complete the RSR training program and master its best practices.
Obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle and meet fleet insurance guidelines concerning the Motor Vehicle Record.
Perform daily vehicle inspections, maintain vehicle records, report maintenance issues promptly, and complete required driver logs and time records.
Safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds.
Comply with company, DOT, local, and federal policies and regulations.
Maintain a clean, organized workspace and vehicle, and secure and organize truck inventory to prevent product damage.
Comply with company policies and procedures, including those concerning safety, equal employment opportunity, harassment, and Sarbanes-Oxley.