Foodservice Sales Rep

Merchants Foodservice - Baton Rouge, LA

Full-time - Entry Level

Baton Rouge, LA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Foodservice Sales Representative is responsible for developing independent account business with a focus on profitability through new sales and account penetration. This role involves promoting and selling company-branded products while meeting brand sales objectives. The representative will also support customer service activities for regional and national chain customers, enhancing the company's visibility in the marketplace and maximizing market share.

Responsibilities

• Generates additional business through analyzing sales territory and individual customers; samples products with existing and potential customers; plans general sales strategy including time and territory management; plans sales approach with individual customers; and conducts effective sales presentations.
• Grows sales and profit margins on an ongoing basis to meet established sales and margin goals.
• Sets up new customer accounts by determining pricing; works with Credit Department for initial authorization; other center personnel for scheduling order-taking, deliveries, etc. Performs initial follow-up work with customer ensuring delivery and product satisfaction.
• Ensures customer satisfaction by providing an exemplary level of service by working closely with other center personnel to coordinate efforts to prevent and resolve customer problems. May be personally responsible for making deliveries in emergency situations.
• Builds additional business with current customers through product penetration in order to maximize profitability of individual accounts.
• Minimizes accounts receivable problems by monitoring accounts for compliance with credit terms and follows up on any problems.
• Maintains awareness of pricing trends within sales territory, particularly on market driven / commodity products, to ensure competitive pricing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 1-2 years foodservice sales related work experience
• Clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Basic computer skills including MS Office (Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint)
• Candidate must live in the area; No relocation

Nice-to-haves

• Post high school education, i.e. culinary training, AS/BS degree in business management, culinary arts or related field
• 2+ years foodservice sales related work experience
• Foodservice distribution industry experience
• Sales systems experience i.e. online order entry, sales metrics dashboard, web-based customer tools/systems
• Culinary, procurement, vendor/supplier and/or beverage sales related experience in foodservice industry

Benefits

• Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401K Employer Matching
• Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off