Route Sales Specialist I - Holden, ME - $24.50/hour

Flowers Foods•Holden, ME

18d•$25

About The Position

FRESH. FORWARD. FLOWERS. Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2024 sales of $5.1 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery – it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community. Full-time employees are offered the following benefits: Comprehensive health and medical benefits 401(k) Retirement savings plan Professional growth and leadership training Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave Benefits may vary depending on your work location.Bringing Home the DoughThe Route Sales Specialist I (RSS I) is responsible for the ordering, sales, delivery, and merchandising of a slate of nationally- and locally branded fresh baked products and developing relationships with customers’ managers and other personnel. Position is assigned to a company route to service retail customers, restaurants, and institutions with the goal of maximizing sales opportunities by meeting customer expectations and following established best practices. Position will drive incremental sales by executing the required market programs while exceeding customer expectations. Position will require RSS I to service accounts during customer designated service windows, which may require RSS I to work non-traditional business hours, weekends, or holidays. Positions requires an incumbent with an eagerness to gain industry knowledge and to learn the skills necessary for success.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 1-year related experience in retail sales, DSD sales, and/or business-to-business sales

Responsibilities

Leverage internal sales data and company marketing plans to drive growth with customers through proper planning, ordering, and execution
Establish and maintain strong customer relations to effectively communicate sales solutions and improve customer satisfaction
Order product using an online state-of-the-art order planner to ensure customers are receiving the freshest product possible
Increase sales through shelf space expansion and the sale/use of in-store promotions and displays
Adhere to the company assigned route structure, stop sequence, and established service times to drive efficiency and to ensure continued customer satisfaction and consistent service times
Know and follow all retailer/account standard operating procedures, including, but not limited to, check in/check out and service windows
Adhere to the fresh market policy by appropriately rotating product and removing damaged or out-of-code product as necessary
Follow shelf-life cycle of each brand/product
Ensure shelf life is maximized with proper rotation of products to ensure that Blackstock is rotated and stocked first before the next fresh delivery is merchandized on shelves/displays
Perform daily route settlement requirements: verifying product quantities, accurately invoicing the proper account, and adhering to the cash collection policy
Perform an accurate weekly inventory in the handheld computer device at select accounts on specific days designated by the company
Support the introduction of new products to the marketplace based on the retailer playbooks and gain additional shelf space and promotional displays to execute the rollout and drive consumer trial
Obtain authorization (“sell in”) from accounts’ key decision makers for promotional product displays. Properly place and assemble displays to maximize exposure to consumers and to increase sales penetration
Review weekly route analysis to identify voids and sales opportunities
Review key performance indicators to reduce cost and drive sales
Adhere to required customer shelf schematic/plan-o-gram to ensure customer compliance and to meet the objectives of brand teams
Master the best practices of the RSR training program
Must be able to obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
Must meet the Fleet insurance Guidelines in relation to your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
Perform all required daily vehicle inspections, maintain accurate vehicle records, immediately report vehicle maintenance issues, and complete daily driver’s logs and time records as required
Safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) more than 10,000 pounds
Adhere to all regulatory policies such as Department of Transportation (DOT) policies and local and federal regulations
Maintain cleanliness of an organized workspace and vehicle
Secure and organize inventory in the truck to prevent product damage
Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures (Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity, Harassment, Sarbanes – Oxley, etc.)
Perform other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the position, including but not limited to fulfillment of work schedules, adherence to attendance policies, and other applicable operating rules, policies and procedures
Must be able to acquire and maintain a DOT medical card