Outside Sales Representative
Overview
For over 125 years, Gordon Food Service has delivered the excellence, expertise, and quality products our customers need to design successful food operations and experiences. We've 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.
About the role
This position will reside in: Lansing, MI. Relocation: Willingness to relocate in Michigan is a preferred qualification for this position.
Responsibilities
- Pursuing New Customers
- Researching industry and market trends impacting restaurants within your territory
- Identifying and researching prospective customers within your territory
- Developing sales strategies that highlight products, services, values, and solutions offered by Gordon Food Service and presenting the sales strategy to prospective customers
- Deepen and Strengthen Existing Customer Relationships
- Visiting all customers within the assigned territory on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis
- Conducting business reviews to determine existing customers' needs and areas of opportunity for growing sales
- Providing ongoing training to customers on Gordon Food Service product offerings
- Identifying opportunities within existing customers' businesses where Gordon Food Service can add value through product and service offerings
- Sales Territory Management
- Balancing new customers acquisition and deepening and strengthening existing customer relationships
- Coinciding visits to prospective customers and existing customers
- Communicating order status and order processing updates to customers
- Sales Training
- Engaging you in various training offerings, including e-learning, classroom sessions, video roleplays, job shadowing, and peer sales representative mentorship
- Learning how to use Gordon Food Service systems, processes, and tools to manage customer relationships
- Learning about the products available to Gordon Food Service customers
- Learning the sales process for engaging new customers
- Learning best practices on developing relationships with current and prospective customers
- Learning strategies on how to effectively manage your territory
Requirements
- A 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 your food safety certification
Qualifications
- Passionate about serving customers
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Self-motivated and able to meet deadlines
Benefits
- A generous 401(k) matching program that is above industry standards
- Financial rewards for a performance compensation structure which includes salary, commission, and bonuses
- Low-cost benefit options for you and your family's health and future
- An Automobile expense reimbursement plan
- Cell phone reimbursement plan
Pay
Salary and commission-based compensation
Schedule
Flexible schedule to accommodate travel and customer interactions
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers
- Knowledge of food service industry trends and best practices
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Benefits
- Health insurance options
- Retirement savings plans
- Employee assistance programs
- Professional development opportunities
Company Culture
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
Tobacco-Free Workplace
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Drug-Free Workplace
All Gordon Food Service locations conduct pre-employment drug tests.