What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Program (k-12) Foodservice Sales Trainee position at Van Eerden Foodservice?
Van Eerden Foodservice is a fourth-generation, family-owned food service distributor with over 100 years of Delivering a Great Customer Experience! We believe nothing brings food and familes together like sharing a meal. By serving our customers and employees with care, we allow other to do what the VE family values as an important family tradition, sharing a meal with friends and family. We are rooted in quality and service, and we strive to deliver Fresh Ideas, Fresh Products, and Fresh Solutions to our customers each and every day.
We are currently seeking a K-12 Sales Trainee. This position will grow Van Eerden’s K12 school business by securing new school accounts and growing existing customer base. They will be responsible for servicing existing customers, opening new accounts and penetrating existing sales volume in assigned accounts.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Learn and become fluent in K12 school food regulations, nutrition standards, and mandates.
- Work closely with foodservice directors and cafeteria managers for daily problem solving and gaining more cases in the accounts.
- Form, develop and strengthen relationships with school foodservice staff and Business office.
- Strategically implement plan to obtain new business for school segment.
- Focus on K-12 growth opportunities with existing customers through specified programs.
- Develop and maintain school relationships to grow business and demonstrate effective problem solving.
- Introduce new products and communicate product issues such as substitutions and out of stock items.
- Identify, develop, promote products from VE K12 vendors to optimize sales and margin for the company.
- Build and maintain business relationships with bid and commercial accounts to enhance sales volume and profitability. Retain school districts in MOR Consortia and grow consortia as directed by K12 Leadership.
- Utilize suggestive and reminder selling techniques.
- Review and understand customer usage to communicate effectively to K12 leadership and VE internal departments,
- Develop and maintain product knowledge, including USDA commodities.
- Communicate effectively with all customers, fellow K12 team members and internal VE departments as required.
- Participate in special events, K12 conferences and trade shows as required. Present to groups as required.
- Support department and company team concepts and goals. Assist other department team members as needed for samplings, school shows, district meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Business with a Marketing emphasis is generally preferred.
- Food industry and/or sales experience is recommended.
- K12 School foodservice knowledge preferred.
- Excellent verbal communication and listening skills.
- Excellent sales, customer service and negotiation skills. Ability to learn and retain knowledge of the products sold.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn multiple platforms, software, apps, etc.
- This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, and handle stressful situations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel, must be able to drive in a variety of weather
- Valid driver’s license and no major driving violations.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
