K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker)

K-12 Specialist (Food Broker)
 

Affinity Group is seeking a K-12 Sales Specialist to make their mark in our Ohio market. This position will report to the Director of K-12 Sales.

Who we're looking for:  

You'll be responsible for sales development for an assigned K-12 market. Activity includes, but is not limited to prospecting, lead generation, managing the sales pipeline, and influencing decision-makers to improve K-12 nutrition. To be set up to win, K-12 Specialists should have demonstrated success in outside business development, consultative selling, and/or account relationship management. This position will unleash their proven skills in relationship selling and are not apprehensive about courageously asking for the business to produce outcomes.
 
Who We Are: 

Your Bridge to Success | Why Our People Love Affinity Group 

Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies, with a national presence throughout North America and Canada. We represent some of the most recognizable and well-regarded food brands in the industry.  
 
Supported by the corporate sales support team, you’ll be part of a team that drives brand awareness and increases market demand for our clients. Affinity Group brings decades of expertise and a consultative system that is tailored for a localized approach. 

A typical week might include the following:

• Consistently identify and implement event/activity plans for assigned accounts.
• Build awareness of the client's unique value proposition by presenting features and benefits of the product lines.
• Drive inquiry generation through strategic sales presentations and partnerships.
• Influence high-impact partnerships in the market while executing daily tasks like virtual presentations, calls, and emails to maximize value and increase cases shipped.
• Use a consultative approach to deliver exceptional sales presentations for K-12 foodservice directors, school board members, charter organizations, food service associates, and community advocacy groups.
• Work from a combination of a local office and remote locations, aiming to meet ambitious sales targets.
• Independently support prospective clients through the entire sales cycle, leveraging CRM systems and ensuring data integrity.
• Use critical thinking to guide prospects towards a successful purchasing experience.

• 3-5 years of foodservice brokerage or foodservice distribution sales experience. 
• K-12 Education experience, or K-12 Foodservice experience
• Operations or culinary experience is a plus. 
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus. 
• Outstanding time management. Ability to manage competing priorities.  
• Self-motivation and drive to succeed.  
• Effective communication and listening skills.  
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build strong partner relationships. 
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and a flexible schedule. This role requires daily travel throughout your territory. Some industry events may require overnights during the food trade show season. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Sales Management Systems. 

• 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 50 lbs.
• Travel: Position requires daily motor vehicle travel to assigned locations, with travel needs averaging around 60%, including occasional overni