Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)

SUMMARY: Conduct sales calls on designated accounts to develop and grow business within the assigned territory.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Generates and develops new business to meet specified goals.
• Establish and maintain relationships with customers within assigned business unit at the distributor.

• Responds to all inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepares and presents sales proposals, including rebates and deviated pricing.
• Plans and manages sales territory with sufficient calls made on a weekly basis.

• Understands and communicates information regarding company products, programs, and services to new and existing clients.

• Possesses and maintains thorough knowledge of foodservice industry product information.

• Continually gathers information on local competition and prevalent industry and business climate within the region; communicates information to management and others as needed.
• Negotiates manufacturer rebate programs deviated pricing and bundling opportunities.

• Ensures that all required client paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Provides timely and accurate reports as required.

• Attends and participates in business/trade events that impact business unit.

• Attends and participates in team strategic sales meetings.
• Inputs sales calls consistently into CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Sales Reporting tool, providing complete information.

• Performs other duties as assigned by manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year College or University, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be a self-starter and proactive.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.

• Demonstrated ability to make successful presentations to individuals and/or groups at all levels of an organization.

• Strong organizational skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages.

• Excellent problem resolution and consultative sales skills.

• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prepare reports and business correspondence.

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Proficient with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) sales reporting tool.

COMPETENCIES:

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their task; Develops realistic action plans.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.
• Understand and respond to a diverse population.

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including a briefcase and/or sales materials, food samples, and small equipment.
• Travel is required by car up to 70% of the time. Proof of insurance and a clean DMV record is required.
• Control/manage expenses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in an office setting.
• Works in commercial kitchen to prepare food products.
• Travel by car to work with clients at foodservice establishments.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
• The noise level is moderate.

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.