Outside Sales Representative

Gordon Food Service - Toledo, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Toledo, OH

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are considering opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. For over 120 years, Gordon Food Service has delivered excellence, expertise, and quality products that our customers need to design successful food operations and experiences. We have grown to be the largest family-operated broadline food distribution company in North America by being passionately committed to the people we serve. At Gordon Food Service, our customers come first. As an Outside Food Sales Representative, you will cultivate relationships, develop new business, and provide innovative solutions to our customers, helping them to achieve their goals and, in return, yours! This position will reside in Toledo, OH. As an Outside Food Sales Representative, you'll be responsible for the overall sales and relationship management efforts for existing and prospective customers within your assigned territory. This includes pursuing new customers, deepening and strengthening existing customer relationships, and managing your sales territory effectively. You will engage in various training offerings during your first 90 days, including e-learning, classroom sessions, video roleplays, job shadowing, and peer sales representative mentorship. Throughout this period, you will learn how to use Gordon Food Service systems, processes, and tools to manage customer relationships, understand the products available to customers, and develop strategies for engaging new customers and managing your territory effectively.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Develop new business opportunities within the 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 offered by Gordon Food Service.
• Visit all customers within the assigned territory on a regular basis (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
• Conduct business reviews to determine existing customers' needs and areas of opportunity for growing sales.
• Provide ongoing training to customers on Gordon Food Service product offerings.
• Identify opportunities within existing customers' businesses where Gordon Food Service can add value.
• Balance new customer acquisition with deepening existing customer 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 that is above industry standards.
• Financial rewards for performance compensation structure including salary, commission, and bonuses.
• Low-cost benefit options for health and future for you and your family.
• Automobile expense reimbursement plan.
• Cell phone reimbursement plan.