Direct Sales Representative

About the role

As a Direct Sales Representative, you will sell food products and supplies at customers’ places of business or purchasing offices. Your focus will be on maximizing growth within existing accounts while locating, qualifying, and securing new business. The majority of your day will be spent independently calling on customers, with daily activities organized and supervised by you. You will report directly to your area’s sales manager.

Responsibilities

• Call on existing and potential customers to identify needs and answer questions about products, pricing, availability, product uses, and training
• Drive a personal vehicle to customer locations, conventions, company meetings, and other events
• Plan and organize your schedule to call on and seek potential leads
• Communicate with customers and the transportation department to schedule delivery times
• Manage customer accounts receivable, working with customers and the Credit Department to establish credit terms and collect payments
• Attend and participate in sales trainings, meetings, company functions, and customer events
• Assist with new employee training as needed
• Review and analyze sales reports to identify areas needing attention to achieve sales and company goals
• Perform administrative duties such as processing customer credits, pick-up requests, and filing reports
• Collaborate with the team to develop menus, enhance customers’ social media presence, and utilize other value-added services
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (Business, Culinary Arts, or Hospitality degree preferred)
• 3 years of foodservice management or sales experience (minimum 1 year of outside foodservice sales or chef experience strongly preferred)
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (no DUI’s or similar violations)
• Reliable transportation with current automobile insurance covering $300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage
• Basic PC skills and familiarity with common business applications (MS Office, including Outlook and Word)
• Ability to use digital tools, including smartphones and proprietary software
• Ability to calculate figures related to sales, commissions, discounts, and volume
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, drive for long periods, and perform physical tasks such as reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping
• Ability to perform non-repetitive lifting of up to 25 lbs
• Ability to read, write, and speak English

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Effective time management
• Self-starter with strong organizational and negotiating skills

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability (STD/LTD)
• 401(k) retirement plan

Candidates must pass a background check and drug screen.