Sales Support Specialist - Food Service / K-12

Job Description

Job Description

We are a vertically integrated, grower-owned cooperative based in Traverse City, Michigan, offering employees the opportunity to significantly impact the lives of our grower owners as well as the customers and consumers we serve. We provide competitive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package.

The Company

Cherry Central is a sales and marketing organization supporting a cooperative of grower/processors throughout North America. Cherry Central serves market channels across the United States and globally.

·         Our purpose is to bring healthy products to market directly from our growers 

·         We believe in long-term relationships and serving our broad customer base 

The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Sales Support Specialist to support our Food Service and K–12 sales channels. This is a documentation- and data-intensive role centered on accurate execution of K-12 bid submissions, high-volume sales reporting, and the careful interpretation of district and regulatory documentation that drives those outputs.

Requirements

·         Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills 

·         Experience with high-volume data entry, validation, and reporting accuracy 

·         Familiarity with ProcessorLink system and K–12 foodservice documentation processes 

·         Experience supporting or completing K–12 bid processes, including pricing, documentation, and compliance requirements 

·         Ability to identify and recommend process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency 

·         Strong collaboration skills with the ability to align cross-functional teams toward shared goals 

·         Experience or familiarity with AI tools to improve reporting, documentation, and workflow efficiency 

·         Strong reading comprehension with the ability to interpret lengthy, technical procurement and regulatory documents

·         International business experience preferred 

·         Food industry knowledge and experience preferred, including trade show participation

Responsibilities

Data Analysis, Reporting & Systems

·         Run and manage all sales reporting for sales teams, management, and cross-functional departments (accounting, operations) 

·         Perform data entry, validation, and analysis across sales, customers, items, and brokerage data 

·         Utilize systems such as Processor Link to complete and manage K–12-related documentation 

·         Develop new reports and enhance existing ones for improved usability and decision-making 

·         Leverage AI tools to streamline reporting, data organization, and documentation workflows 

K–12 & Bid Management

·         Analyze bid opportunities and determine which are suitable for Cherry Central. The bid season runs from December through May. There are an average of 15-20 bids per week.

·         Read and interpret K-12 district RFPs, USDA Foods specifications, and nutritional/compliance documentation, extracting the specific requirements that govern each bid response

·         Complete K–12 direct bids, including preparation of pricing, transportation costs, documentation, and product samples.  

·         Cross-reference product specifications, nutritional data, and pack/size details against district requirements to ensure every line item is accurate and compliant before submission.

·         Maintain accurate and organized bid records and supporting documentation 

Market & Sales Support

·         Conduct market research as needed to support sales initiatives 

·         Create marketing and sales presentation materials in coordination with sales team and Director of Marketing

·         Provide ongoing administrative and operational support to the sales team 

Trade Show & Event Coordination

·         Coordinate Food Service and K–12 trade shows. There is one large show per year, and 10 -15 smaller shows

o    Register for events and complete required documentation 

o    Coordinate booth setup, furnishings, contractors, and logistics 

o    Manage shipment of samples and materials 

o    Liaise with event organizers to ensure successful execution 

o    Coordinate travel, lodging, and team/customer meetings as needed 

Forecasting, Budgeting & Coordination

·         Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes 

·         Pull and analyze data to support sales planning 

·         Collaborate with sales teams and leadership to develop and submit budgets 

Administrative & Cross-functional Support

·         Manage calendars and schedule meetings with internal teams and customers 

·         Create and maintain forms related to the sales process 

·         Support collaboration across departments to ensure alignment on sales initiatives 

·         Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy 

Location

Cherry Central is based in Traverse City, Michigan. On-site required

·         You are passionate about service 

·         You want to be connected to the agriculture community 

·         You are eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment 

·         You value precision, organization, and continuous improvement in your work 

We are a vertically integrated grower owned cooperative based in Traverse City, Michigan which offers its employees the opportunity to significantly impact the life of our grower owners as well as the customers and consumers we serve. We offer competitive compensation and a best in class benefit package.

Company Description

We are a vertically integrated grower owned cooperative based in Traverse City, Michigan which offers its employees the opportunity to significantly impact the life of our grower owners as well as the customers and consumers we serve. We offer competitive compensation and a best in class benefit package.