K-12 Specialist (Food Broker)

K-12 School Products Sales Representative

This position's primary responsibility is to conduct in person appointments to sell and market products to all school distributors and school districts. It also includes working on coding and recapping of school bids with the Bid Manager so that pertinent information can be obtained from the manufacturers. Position works with and educates other Affinity Group West sales representatives about the K-12 school products. Responsible for inputting all daily activity into CRM and planning against all top priority customers and manufacturers.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Plan and schedule in-person sales calls with key business planning customers using CRM, ensuring weekly and trimester call and presentation goals are achieved.
• Conduct field sales activities, including customer appointments, taste testing events, and food shows at district and state SNA levels.
• Monitor and respond to emails and voicemails daily, ensuring all customer and operator inquiries are addressed within 48 hours.
• Conduct timely follow-up calls with customers and sales leads to maintain engagement and drive sales opportunities.
• Analyze school bids and develop customized, strategic presentations for school district decision-makers that align with bid requirements and showcase company products.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the K-12 school segment, including school districts and distribution partners, to drive ongoing sales growth.
• Continuously expand knowledge of the K-12 segment, including market trends, product offerings, and customer needs.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and meetings as directed by K-12 leadership and sales management to strengthen market presence and expertise.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in related field or equivalent is preferred.
• 3-5 years' experience preferably with a food sales and marketing agency, along with food service management in K-12, or with a national food manufacturer.
• Integrity/Trust/Ethics. Keeps business strategy, pricing, data and issues confidential as required by AG, manufacturer and operator.
• Outstanding time management skills.
• Clear communication skills.
• Self-motivated and driven to succeed.
• High emotional intelligence.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and a flexible schedule.
• Computer literacy.

Team Player Attitude. Understanding and promoting team dynamic mentality. Operating with a focus on positive interactions for the team, not only good for the individual. Help team members succeed by following best practices and sharing opportunities for growth with the team. Peer mentoring in K12 sales practices and knowledge transfer to team members Competencies:

• Relationship building.
• Active listening.
• Information seeking.
• Influence and persuasion.
• Negotiating.
• Composure and resiliency.
• Organizational savvy.
• Time management.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• The typical work week: Monday through Friday.
• During the food trade show season, the position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, with the ability to safely lift case goods (up to 50lbs.).
• Travel: Position requires daily motor vehicle travel to assigned locations.

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.