Produce Support Specialist, Southeast

About the role

The Produce Support Specialist works with other departments to solve problems and provide exceptional service to our clients and distributor partners. The role is responsible for managing produce quality and service requirements for roughly 30-40 regionally assigned Food Service Distributors and the clients we service within those markets. This is completed by visiting client locations and distributor warehouses on a rotating schedule followed by completing reports relating to the information gathered. A Produce Support Specialist takes ownership of all tasks related to the distribution area and is self-sufficient in planning travel and completing responsibilities within the required deadline.

Responsibilities

• Manage produce quality assessments for approximately 30-40 Food Service Distributors and their respective clients.
• Foster strong relationships with distribution partners and adhere to company principles during client location visits and distributor business reviews.
• Conduct client location visits, which include: evaluating product quality, providing storage and handling training, offering consulting on product application and pack size, and gathering feedback on distributor service levels.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of all travel expense and activity reports within seven days of concluding travel.
• Provide support to client locations by providing exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate effectively with the Account Management team and other internal departments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the produce industry and market trends, and effectively communicate this information to clients and stakeholders.
• Independently plan and manage travel logistics, including scheduling restaurant and distributor visits, and booking flights, rental cars, and accommodations.
• Monitor emails and other communications during weekends, holidays, and outside of standard business hours.
• Identify, resolve, and take ownership of issues, escalating to leadership with clear context and proposed solutions when necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by rapidly acquiring new knowledge, applying critical thinking skills, and contributing to team success.
• Ensure a conducive work environment with minimal distractions, a stable network/Wi-Fi connection, and a secure location for company equipment.

Requirements

• Must be willing to travel up to 50% (every other week).
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license with ability to rent a car.
• Effective time management skills to complete responsibilities in a timely manner.
• A high degree of self-sufficiency will be needed after completing the training process.
• Provide exceptional customer service while communicating with others.
• Ability to articulate feedback and communicate clearly and concisely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or 3-5 years experience in Food Service management is preferred.
• Experience in Produce Industry or Restaurant Supply Chain will also be considered.