Sales Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To
Regional Sales Manager - West Region (CA,WA) & South Region (TX)

The Sales Specialist provides direct support to an assigned Regional Sales Manager while developing the skills and experience necessary to manage customer accounts and sales territories independently.

This role is designed as a developmental position within a food manufacturing and distribution environment, offering exposure to account management, customer relationships, and sales execution. The Sales Specialist will progressively take on increased responsibility in supporting and managing accounts, with the goal of advancing into a Regional Sales Manager role.

• Provide direct, day-to-day support to the assigned Regional Sales Manager
• Participate in customer interactions, calls, and meetings to gain exposure to account management
• Assist in preparing sales presentations, proposals, and product recommendations
• Maintain accurate customer records, pricing, and sales activity
• Support sales efforts at trade shows and industry events
• Prepare and demonstrate food product attributes to customers

• Support management of assigned accounts under the guidance of the Regional Sales Manager
• Begin handling smaller or lower-volume accounts independently over time
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with distributors, brokers, direct customers, purchasing groups, and co-ops
• Learn pricing strategies, product positioning, and customer-specific requirements
• Develop knowledge of and align sales efforts with USDA school nutrition guidelines

• Support order entry, tracking, and coordination to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment
• Work with the Regional Sales Manager in bid submission and bid management processes
• Partner with operations, inventory, and logistics teams to support product availability and delivery timelines
• Monitor order flow and proactively communicate updates or issues

• Assist in identifying opportunities for upselling and account growth
• Support Regional Sales Manager in executing territory strategies
• Contribute to sales initiatives, promotions, and customer engagement efforts
• Develop subject matter expertise in ethnic food products and offerings

• Maintain sales reports, account tracking, and performance metrics
• Assist with forecasting inputs and sales analysis
• Develop understanding of territory performance and customer trends

• Work closely with operations, finance, and customer service teams to support account execution
• Assist in resolving issues related to orders, billing, or product availability

• Demonstrate progression in account ownership and customer interaction
• Build knowledge of products, customers, and territory dynamics
• Develop skills necessary to manage a sales territory independently
• Prepare to transition into a Regional Sales Manager role based on performance and business needs

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 1–4 years of experience in sales, customer service, or related role
• Experience in food manufacturing, distribution, or related industry preferred
• Strong interest in developing a career in sales and account management
• Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Excel preferred
• ServSafe certification (required or to be obtained within a defined period)

• Ability to travel as needed to support customer meetings and Regional Sales Manager
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Customer-focused mindset with a proactive approach
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, logistics, and finance teams
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail with growing business acumen
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset
• Team-oriented with a willingness to take initiative

• Dedicated support to an assigned Regional Sales Manager and territory
• Progressive exposure to customer accounts and sales responsibilities
• High collaboration with internal teams and external partners