Produce Specialist

Responsible for aiding the sales force in their day-to-day activities by answering questions and/or providing consultation promptly to sales personnel.

Demonstrate products to Customers either through meeting(s) with Territory Manager and their Customer(s) or by calling on Customers independently. Provide consulting expertise to Customers on the features, advantages and benefits of produce products and brands. Demos involve showing the product, describing its features and benefits, hand-outs containing pertinent information (product codes, promotional opportunities, suggested prices, information on the competition's brands, menu ideas, etc.), and tastings of cooked products.

Training is implemented through preparation and dissemination of printed materials, sales meetings (general and regional), and one-on-one work in the field. Territory Managers are trained in sales techniques, product benefits, and new products.

Assist buyers, brokers and vendors, to forecast inventory needs, chart trends, fill special orders, price large-volume sales, source products, and discuss inventory additions. Monitors issues regarding product quality, and advises buyers of problems or concerns whenever necessary. Identify conversion opportunities to move products away from non-preferred suppliers to the Private and Signature Product lines.

Education/Training: High School diploma required, some college preferred.

Related Experience: A minimum of five years experience required in the specialty area, including: purchasing, marketing, and selling.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Proactive, good at problem solving, good oral/written communication skills, effectively transmit knowledge. Must have valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation to and from customers.