Independent Operator

Ole Mexican Foods - Houston, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Houston, TX

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Independent Operator at Ole Mexican Foods, INC is responsible for driving sales growth across assigned routes. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with customers, ensuring high-quality service, and meeting sales expectations. The ideal candidate will engage with store managers and key decision-makers to maximize profitability and support the company's mission of providing authentic Mexican-inspired products.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with store managers and key customer decision makers.
• Ensure company drivers understand expectations and communicate how to execute organizational goals.
• Send all training documentation to the Human Resources Department.
• Meet sales expectations while delivering high-quality customer service to various accounts.
• Identify leads, manage prospects, and acquire new business.
• Travel to customer facilities to provide information and support as required.
• Grow business by anticipating customer needs and providing solutions.
• Establish and maintain call frequency on major retail chain District Managers.
• Build rapport and trust with store management through frequent visits and communication.
• Prepare tailored selling plans with in-depth knowledge of retail customers and product portfolio.
• Follow through on sales/service commitments to exceed store management expectations.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of company products and pricing structure.
• Manage assigned company-generated leads and complete prospecting activities.
• Communicate weekly with Division Sales Manager on sales activities and goals.
• Periodically visit stores to identify service strengths and opportunities.
• Ensure weekly customer visits to negotiate ads and gain more space/displays.
• Attend grand openings and store anniversaries.
• Review weekly Out-of-Stock (OOS) report to address deficiencies.
• Use effective time management skills to service stores and establish relationships.
• Establish a plan for organizing or rerouting if needed.
• Ensure route paperwork is organized and stores are well serviced without credits.
• Attend all weekly required safety meetings and ensure equipment is in good condition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.
• 1+ years' experience in Retail or field-based sales role.
• Knowledge of basic computer functions (downloading documents, email, internet, Microsoft Word, etc.).
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and display a professional demeanor.
• Ability to communicate timely with Management through phone or email.
• Experience using personal access to functional tools such as smartphone or smart pad and computer.
• Must have a valid driver's license, full coverage auto insurance, and a clean MVR record.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Experience in retail or field-based sales is a plus.