What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inside Sales - Paid Internship (Food Broker) position at Affinity Group?
Location: Buffalo, NY
Internship Duration: Start May 19th (subject to Intern availability)
Schedule: Weekdays, Parttime, ~15 hours per week, minimum of 150 hours total
Department: Sales Enablement & Marketing
Compensation: $17 per hour, $25 per month phone allowance
Gain Real-World Sales Experience with Affinity Group
Are you looking to kickstart your career in sales, marketing, or business development? Affinity Group is offering a hands-on Inside Sales Internship where you will gain valuable experience in lead generation, customer engagement, and sales strategy development. If you're proactive, eager to learn, and ready to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity to build your sales skills and set the foundation for a successful career.
Who We Are
Affinity Group is a leading food sales and marketing agency with a strong national presence. We represent some of the most recognizable brands in the foodservice industry, connecting them with distributors, restaurant operators, and other key decision-makers. With decades of industry expertise and a strategic approach to sales and marketing, we help brands grow through innovative solutions and customer engagement.
As an Inside Sales Intern, you’ll work closely with our Sales Enablement & Marketing team and learn how data-driven sales strategies are implemented to drive business success.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Research & Qualification – Identify potential sales leads using CRM tools, Datassentials, Brizo Foodmetrics, LinkedIn, and other databases.
- Outreach Support – Assist with introductory emails and customer outreach using Affinity Group’s Marketing Hub and AI technology.
- Sales Pipeline Assistance – Maintain and update customer records, track lead progress, and support pipeline management.
- Customer Interaction – Observe and assist in virtual meetings, phone calls, and in-person sales calls to gain hands-on experience in sales presentations and client interactions.
- Sales Reporting – Track and report sales activities, including follow-ups, meetings, and results, using CRM systems.
- Team Collaboration – Work alongside the sales team, providing research, administrative support, and client communications.
- Training & Development – Participate in sales training sessions and shadow experienced sales professionals to learn strategies, techniques, and best practices.
What We’re Looking For
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program (preferably in Business, Marketing, or a related field).
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Self-motivated and eager to learn in a sales-oriented role.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to challenges.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with CRM systems is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous internship or work experience in sales, marketing, or customer service is a plus but not required.
- Interest in pursuing a career in sales, sales enablement, marketing, or business development.
The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Salary : $17