Sales Specialist

K-12 Specialist (Michigan Market) Affinity Group is seeking a K-12 Sales Specialist to drive growth in the Michigan market using our manufacturer clients’ products. You’ll be responsible for sales development across your assigned territory, including prospecting, lead generation, managing the sales pipeline, and influencing decision-makers to improve K-12 nutrition. The role’s primary responsibility is to conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors, market our clients’ products, analyze school bids, and strengthen relationships with decision-makers. You will collaborate closely with the Midwest Senior Director of K-12 and the Bid Team to ensure competitive and strategic presentations. To succeed in this role, you should be passionate about relationship selling, consultative partnerships, and courageously asking for the business to deliver results. Typical Week Strategy and Execution . You will schedule and execute in-person sales calls with top-priority customers and manufacturers, ensuring all activities are logged in the CRM. This includes meeting weekly and trimester sales activity goals for calls, presentations, and demos, as well as conducting taste testing events and presentations at the district and state level in support of SNA. You will also analyze and recap school bids in collaboration with the Bid Team and create tailored presentations that highlight Affinity Group products. Partner and Influencer . You will build and maintain trusted relationships with school nutrition leaders and distributors while providing K-12 product knowledge and sales practice training to teammates. In addition, you will attend industry events as directed by the K-12 Director and market leadership, and you will be responsible for responding to operator calls, emails, and sales leads within 48 hours. Heart and Hustle. You will accurately log activities, follow-ups, and pipeline progress in the CRM while working independently and collaborating with team members across markets. In addition, you will support non-K-12 events as needed. Qualifications Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred. 2–5 years in K-12 Foodservice Management, K-12 Food & Nutrition Departments, a Food Sales & Marketing Agency, or a National Food Manufacturer. Maintain confidentiality on strategy, pricing, and data. Balance multiple priorities and execute against weekly, monthly, and annual goals. Strong presentation, explanation, and listening skills. Proactive, takes initiative, and manages territory independently. Demonstrates empathy and builds collaborative partnerships. Supports peer mentoring, shares best practices, and promotes team success. Other Requirements & What to Expect Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and flexibility for regular travel across Michigan. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM tools, and virtual platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.). Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift 20–50 lbs. during events. Standard schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Evenings and weekends: 10–15 industry events annually. Travel: Weekly throughout Michigan to visit school districts, distributors, and industry events, with occasional regional air travel. Overnights: 1–3 per month, especially during peak event season. How We Make Room for You Health & Wellness: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans Company life insurance, supplemental insurance, and short/long term benefits 401(k) Retirement plan Paid Time Off & Company Holidays The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr