Fresh Product Specialist

About the position

The primary purpose of the Fresh Product Specialist is to increase sales and penetration of our fresh categories, which includes Produce as well as COP (protein items) by providing category expertise and selling both independently and jointly with Territory Managers (TMs) through the following: consultative services to aid customers through improved utilization of the fresh categories; SOUS training; conducting product demonstrations to increase category and product knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for driving penetration and growth of assigned categories through consultative sales activities with targeted customers both independently and with Territory Managers.
• Provide product expertise and sales support for all aspects of the category including promotional opportunities, product information, suggested pricing, competitive information, and menu ideas prioritized for top penetration opportunities to achieve Market/Area case growth objectives for category, as well as, realize Exclusive Brand (EB) conversion opportunities.
• Drive KPIs across fresh categories (including sales case growth, category penetration, EB penetration, and TM feedback) and competitive market pricing; work with TMs to refine product offering, order guides, and potential pricing for new accounts.
• Support category specific product conversion activities, and new item sales opportunities based upon product margins, features, and benefits.
• Assist TMs in opening new accounts with highest potential; accompany TMs on high potential accounts' visits to provide specific product expertise.
• Train TMs, focusing on top penetration priorities and utilizing hands-on product and printed materials during monthly sales meetings and one-on-one opportunities in the field; coach TMs during ride-alongs.
• Develop and present selling and relevant training materials in conjunction with Category Management and Training functions.
• Demonstrate product use and/or menu applications at Market/Area and Customer locations providing consulting expertise to customers on the key product considerations, product features/benefits, and usage/preparation of the product.
• Assist in category growth by acquiring and providing marketing intelligence and customer feedback on product offerings, pricing, trends and innovations in the market; provide input into marketing / selling materials and events at the Market/Area and assist Category Management with sourcing and inventory requirements.
• Promote and provide business solutions to top customers, passing potential leads to Business Solutions' team and facilitating a smooth transition.
• Answer (limited) product questions from the TMs via phone or email.
• Provide (limited) support to TMs in selling activities for non-prioritized opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by manager

Requirements

• Must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in either COP or Produce categories with deep product knowledge.
• Must be willing to learn the other category to be prepared to represent both COP and Produce.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as solid interpersonal, presentation, and training skills.
• Up to 25% of travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Consultative selling skills.
• Foodservice experience.
• Culinary training.
• Bachelor's degree.

Benefits

• Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law.
• The expected base rate for this role is between $55,000 - $90,000.