Job Title: K12 Segment Specialist Reports To: Nutrition Services Manager Territory: Twin Cities Metro Area Applicant must reside within 20 miles of their designated territory.
POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for establishing, developing, and nurturing partnerships within the K12 industry. Provide excellent customer service and regulatory support to IFD Prime Vendor Customers. Work collaboratively with all departments of IFD to develop efficiencies, manage inventory, and monitor profitability.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Be proficient in USDA regulations, food safety, and available K12 products. Be able to provide guidance and resources as needed.
Represent company in a professional manner, including professional attire.
Monitor and respond to customers needs, including servicing current Customers and establishing and developing new Customers in assigned territory.
Assist in industry shows and conferences in a professional manner; occasional overnight stays required.
Provide input to Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing Departments on new trends in the school arena.
Communicate on a timely basis with Customers and Purchasing personnel to establish and maintain appropriate inventory.
Maintain good working relationships and effective communication with all company personnel.
Work with IFD School Team to enhance IFD’s school presence and reputation in the K12 arena. Participate in statewide SNA trainings and events.
Become proficient with IFD technology and be a resource for your customers as needed.
Attain or exceed company pre-determined expectations/goals.
Work closely with Inside Sales Representatives in resolving any problems.
Communicate weekly with Supervisor to review challenges and opportunities within your territory.
Work closely with brokers and manufacturer representatives to find solutions to Customer needs. Arrange samples and product testing as needed.
WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND SCOPE: Work closely with IFD Customers to meet their needs and expectations. Develops close working relationships with all departments within the company. Should convey a professional image when dealing with the trade and the public. The internal assistants to the Sales Consultant are the Inside Sales Representatives, so it is important to build and maintain good relationships with them.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
Grow territory and profitability while providing superior service to our Customers.
Maintain prosperous relationships with both external Customers and internal company personnel that demonstrate your ability and desire to get the job done and grow sales.
Service all accounts at a high standard, as demonstrated by high Customer satisfaction in assigned territory.
Maintains a positive work environment where staff feel welcome and valued.
Accomplish, on an annual basis, further education, training, and enrichment which contribute to the success and continued improvement of the job functions and enhance job performance.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Possess strong communication skills, including proficiency in reading, writing, and understanding English.
Work individually and excel with minimal supervision.
Professional demeanor in person and on the telephone.
The ability to deal with challenging Customers and to interact with and sell to a wide variety of people.
Foodservice experience is required. K12 Foodservice experience preferred.
Experienced and proficient with personal computer/laptop operation; as well as the ability to carry and transfer laptop equipment weighing from 10-20 pound frequently.
Able to handle time pressure, stress, and multi-tasking.
Ability to learn product line and cross-sell additional products.
Ability to help institutions with menu planning, set-up, food costing, and product selection. Provide knowledge on nutrition, food safety, regulations, and inventory control.
Ability to sit in an automobile 50% of the time.
Ability to lift and carry product weighing from 20-50 pounds and to transfer product from warehouse to cart to car to customer, and occasionally climb steps/stairs while carrying product.
Acceptable driving record, according to company policy.
High school diploma or equivalent. Ideal candidates will have a college degree or equivalent experience. Sales experience strongly preferred.
A valid driver’s license and auto insurance is required, per company standards.
Applicant must reside within 20 miles of their designated territory.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed in the field and in your own home office. Professional attire is required. Some occasional overnight travel may be required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS IFD offers an excellent compensation plan including a generous base salary. Our benefits package is premium; includes some NO COST medical care (including office visits, lab work, medical weight loss and sleep study for those on the IFD health plan) Affordable Family Medical Insurance, Family Dental Insurance, and Family Vision Insurance, 401k and Roth with Company Match, Paid Vacations, Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Leave, Short Term Disability (at no cost to the employee), Long Term Disability, Paid Life Insurance, Available Supplemental Life Insurance, Store Discount, and more. Only qualified applicants will be considered.
