Route Sales Specialist I - Presque Isle

Flowers Foods•Presque Isle, ME

About The Position

The Route Sales Specialist I (RSS I) is responsible for ordering, selling, delivering, and merchandising nationally and locally branded fresh baked products, while developing relationships with customer managers and other personnel. Assigned to a company route, the specialist serves retail customers, restaurants, and institutions and maximizes sales opportunities by meeting customer expectations and following established best practices. The position drives incremental sales by executing market programs and exceeding customer expectations. The role requires servicing accounts during customer-designated service windows, which may involve non-traditional business hours, weekends, or holidays. The position is intended for someone eager to gain industry knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success. The specialist uses company sales data and marketing plans to plan orders and execute sales programs; maintains customer relationships; uses an online order planner; expands shelf space and executes promotions and displays; follows route schedules and retailer procedures; rotates and checks product; settles routes, collects cash, and conducts inventory; introduces products and secures promotional display authorizations; reviews route analysis and performance indicators; and complies with merchandising, safety, vehicle, and regulatory requirements. The role also involves operating and maintaining a commercial vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and maintaining required DOT medical certification.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be able to obtain DOT medical certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle and acquire and maintain a DOT medical card.
Must meet Fleet insurance guidelines in relation to the motor vehicle record.
Ability to safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Use internal sales data and company marketing plans to plan, order, and execute sales activities that drive customer growth.
Establish and maintain customer relationships, communicate sales solutions, and improve customer satisfaction.
Order products using the online order planner to provide customers with fresh product.
Increase sales through shelf-space expansion and use of in-store promotions and displays.
Follow the assigned route structure, stop sequence, and service times to support efficient and consistent service.
Follow retailer and account 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 and rotate backstock before merchandising newly delivered product.
Complete daily route settlement, verify product quantities, invoice the correct accounts, and follow cash collection policy.
Conduct accurate weekly inventory at designated accounts using a handheld computer device.
Support new product introductions, gain shelf space, and execute promotional displays according to retailer playbooks.
Obtain authorization for promotional product displays and place and assemble displays to maximize consumer exposure 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.
Master the best practices in the RSR training program.
Obtain and maintain DOT medical certification and meet fleet insurance guidelines regarding the motor vehicle record.
Complete daily vehicle inspections, maintain vehicle records, promptly report maintenance issues, and complete required driver logs and time records.
Safely and efficiently operate a vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and comply with DOT policies and applicable local and federal regulations.
Keep the workspace and vehicle clean and organized, and secure and organize truck inventory to prevent product damage.
Comply with company policies and procedures, including safety, equal employment opportunity, harassment, and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
Perform other duties integral to the position, including meeting work schedules and attendance requirements and following applicable operating rules and procedures.