Group Sales Director - Outstanding Leadership Opportunity - Northern Ohio Area

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Leads the department in business development by calling on independent and multi-unit restaurants as well as architects and other professionals at commercial, industrial, and other establishments to persuade prospective clients of desirability and practicability of products or services offered.
• Executes process improvement projects designed to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Affixes to staff by working with end users to make equipment selections, process improvements, or use of materials or services which would result in cost reduction or improvement in operations.
• Identifies potential clients through knowledge of the territory. Specific attention given to existing businesses, those at startup stage and non-food service businesses that have potential need for equipment.
• Maintains existing client relationships through in person and virtual meetings, contacts owner or other individuals responsible for buying to increase product offerings, ie. Smallwares, Furniture, Exhaust Systems.
• Identifies client needs through observation and interview. May know from experience typical needs of client. Interviews clients as to current and future needs; suggests products to improve productivity.
• Assists sales with new clients in setting up credit accounts. May assist/advise clients with necessary documentation. Participates in resolving credit problems relating to returns, defective merchandise and service problems.
• Advocates the use of NexGen and preferred vendors when available – provides training and support of the brands.
• Maintains existing accounts by performing any or all of the responsibilities listed previously. Negotiates contracts, closes deals, analyzes needs and functions as a consultant to the end user.
• Responsible for the data and analytics for the team.
• Designs training program for the Foodservice Equipment team members and helps to execute the training program.
• Trains direct reports on design guidelines and best practices for industry and client market segment. Uses existing customer documents to develop and prepare cost estimates or projected increases in production from client's use of proposed equipment or services.
• Matches client needs against known products and stock items. May work from end results desired, health department regulations. May also identify items by their end use (versus client’s name for item). Also advises client of products with multiple uses. May verify product identification with actual end user.
• Sets clearly defined performance goals and objectives for staff, adjusts expectations through check-ins and realignment of objectives, and provides development opportunities to stretch their capabilities and growth potential.

Education And Experience

• Minimum Bachelors Degree
• Associate Degree
• 5 years related experience and/or training
• 7 years related experience and/or training
• PREFERRED: Supervisory / Leadership Role Experience supervising various business units in the food service equipment and supplies industry

Other Skills And Abilities

• Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Reasoning - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills - Must be proficient with PC skills and related software applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with SAP systems, and AI tools is a plus.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.