Outside Food Sales Representative

Gordon Food Service - Newark, DE

Full-time - Entry Level

Newark, DE

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

As an Outside Food Sales Representative at Gordon Food Service, you will play a crucial role in cultivating relationships and developing new business opportunities within your assigned territory, which includes Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York Counties. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about the food service industry and are eager to provide innovative solutions to help customers achieve their goals. You will be responsible for managing the overall sales and relationship efforts for both existing and prospective customers, ensuring that their needs are met while also driving your own success. Your responsibilities will include pursuing new customers by researching industry and market trends that impact restaurants within your territory. You will identify and research prospective customers, develop tailored sales strategies that highlight the products and services offered by Gordon Food Service, and present these strategies effectively. Additionally, you will deepen and strengthen existing customer relationships by visiting them regularly, conducting business reviews to assess their needs, and providing ongoing training on product offerings. Sales territory management is a key aspect of this role, requiring you to balance the acquisition of new customers with the nurturing of existing relationships. You will coordinate visits to both prospective and current customers, ensuring clear communication regarding order status and processing updates. To set you up for success, Gordon Food Service offers a comprehensive training program during your first 90 days, which includes e-learning, classroom sessions, video roleplays, job shadowing, and mentorship from experienced sales representatives. This training will equip you with the necessary skills to effectively manage customer relationships and navigate the sales process.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Develop new business opportunities within assigned territory.
• Research industry and market trends impacting restaurants.
• Identify and research prospective customers within the territory.
• Develop and present sales strategies highlighting products and services.
• Visit customers on a regular basis to strengthen relationships.
• Conduct business reviews to assess customer needs and growth opportunities.
• Provide ongoing training to customers on product offerings.
• Balance new customer acquisition with deepening existing relationships.
• Coordinate visits to prospective and existing customers.
• Communicate order status and processing updates to customers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Bachelor's degree and/or culinary certificate preferred.
• 1 year of prior sales, business, or food service experience.
• Maintaining a valid state driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain food safety certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the food service industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Benefits

• Generous 401(k) matching program above industry standards.
• Financial rewards for performance including salary, commission, and bonuses.
• Low-cost benefit options for health and future.
• Automobile expense reimbursement plan.
• Cell phone reimbursement plan.