Sales Representative - Downtown Chicago

Sales Representative

Responsible for directing a total effort toward the achievement of Territory/District sales goals and objectives. This is accomplished by interacting with established customers and developing new prospects.

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of applicable experience in a similar sales environment
• Requires in-depth knowledge of DON's products, services, and marketing techniques
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office products (specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical, organizational skills, and the ability to problem-solve, multitask, prioritize and work independently.
• Excellent communication, time management, and customer service skills.
• Must have reliable transportation to be able to visit accounts and participate in Sales training and meetings.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed and actively participate in pre-pack order check-ins for customers.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 2 years experience in a similar sales environment (B2B foodservice) and previous knowledge and/or experience working with SAP.

Essential duties include:

• Independent travel throughout assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers and solicit orders.
• Display or demonstrate products using samples and catalogs to emphasize features and benefits on each call.
• Quote selling price and credit terms for orders obtained.
• Stay informed on new products, pricing, and other general information pertaining to the company and to sales.
• Responsible for collections (accounts receivable) as well as ensure proper service and follows-up on all customer accounts.
• Actively participate in pre-pack check-ins as required, lifting up to 50 lbs as needed and bending, stooping, and/or standing and for extended periods of time.
• Maintain daily contact with internal departments, manager, customers, factory reps, and other outside sources as required.
• Analyze current marketing data and maintains a working knowledge of that data.
• Check on competitive sales and pricing activity.
• Act as a consultant to provide advice and guidance to customers in relation to their requirements.
• Develop specific sales and pricing objectives for each account.
• Possess a thorough working knowledge and understanding of the customer and company order cycles.
• Has thorough knowledge of standards and goals needed to achieve/maintain territory objectives.
• Ensure that presentations and selling ideas are made to all persons who have an influence on the purchase of products at each current and prospective account.
• Ensure that all customers have an assigned frequency of sales contact and that assigned frequencies are maintained in the weekly call plan.
• Contact customers on a regularly scheduled basis to achieve maximum vertical penetration.
• Communicate account activity to maintain a high level of follow through on credit, collections, and adjustments.
• Prepare sales estimates and forecasts as requested and on a timely basis.
• Develop and maintain an active prospect list; new account prospect calls must be incorporated into all weekly call plans.
• Attend and participate in District/Regional sales meetings as required.
• Maintain daily communication with District Sales Manager to review sales targets and discuss initiatives/progress in assigned territory.
• Review and analyze the operating philosophy of accounts in order to determine potential products, credit requirements, collections procedures, and potential of vertical penetration.
• Review and analyze the selling price structure and strategy for each customer with assigned District Sales Manager.
• Consistently prospect for new business.
• Perform other duties as assigned.