Produce Specialist

Sysco

Jul 18

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior & Mid Level
Hospitality & Retail
Fargo

Requirements

Education/Experience:
Minimum: High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of sales experience within a retail, broker, wholesale or distribution environment (deep technical expertise of produce categories)
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent educational level
Knowledge & Skills:
Proficiency in produce knowledge and trends required
(Internal Certification & External Certification may be required)
Analytical problem-solving skills, including familiarity with analyzing reports and deriving insights from data
Ability to express information in terms of profit and loss, food cost and expense ratio
Strong financial acumen and ability to properly plan and execute business plans
Flexible; readily accepts change; open to new ideas
Track record of success in the area of consultative selling, networking and negotiations
Proficient communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with and influence a variety of key stakeholders
Experience building trust with prospective customers and securing new business
Strong business and restaurant operations acumen to manage sophisticated customers
Ability to learn the use of proprietary CRM tools for planning and forecasting sales growth
Proficient in Microsoft Applications Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to structure a weekly schedule to be successful
Demonstrated ability to deliver against deadlines and produce high-quality results (accuracy, thoroughness in the deliverables they are producing)
Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple initiatives at the same time
Understanding of marketing principles, product lines, ordering procedures and Sysco’s credit terms

Responsibilities

Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve region and individual annual business goals, delivering profitable sales growth and penetration across the fresh produce category, specialty segments, and Sysco brand
Identify the needs of customers and prospects to assemble a product mix that delivers solutions and helps achieve business objectives
Utilize data analytics to prioritize produce opportunities
Actively seek, qualify, and support top prospect conversion to Sysco
Be informed of market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided
Track activities and results, collaborate on opportunities, and champion the team selling process through use of Salesforce (Sysco’s CRM tool)
Leverage sampling in a solutions-oriented manner to close sales
Provide feedback to specialty companies and merchandising on product quality, product integrity, product mix, customer satisfaction, perceived value and competition
Develop and maintain relationships with customers, chefs and sales team members
Support execution of prioritized sales strategies through direct selling and engagement of customers and prospects at Sysco events (e.g. food shows, industry events)

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Produce Specialist.

What company is offering this job?

The job is offered by US0195 Sysco North Dakota, Inc.

What is the location for this job?

The job is located in the zip code 58102.

What is the minimum required education for this position?

The minimum required education is a High School Diploma or equivalent.

How much experience is required for this role?

A minimum of 2 years of experience is required.

What is the employment type for this position?

This is a full-time employment position.

Is travel required for the Produce Specialist role?

The travel percentage for this position is not specified.

What is the compensation structure for this job?

The pay range provided is not indicative of Sysco’s actual pay range but is algorithmic and for generalized comparison. Factors influencing pay include specific skills, work location, work experience, and other individualized factors.

What is the main responsibility of the Produce Specialist?

The main responsibility is to grow new business within the fresh produce category while achieving assigned business goals and enhancing customer experience.

What are some key responsibilities of this job?

Key responsibilities include developing sales strategies, identifying customer needs, utilizing data analytics, actively seeking new business, tracking activities and results, and collaborating with team members.

What educational background is preferred for this position?

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent educational level is preferred.

What knowledge and skills are required for this role?

Required skills include proficiency in produce knowledge, analytical problem-solving, financial acumen, consultation selling, communication and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Applications Suite.

Do candidates need any certifications for this position?

Yes, internal and/or external certification may be required.

What type of work experience is preferred for applicants?

Preferred work experience includes 3+ years of sales experience within a retail, broker, wholesale, or distribution environment, specifically with deep technical expertise in produce categories.

How important is relationship-building in this role?

It's very important; the specialist must develop and maintain relationships with customers, chefs, and sales team members.

What tools or software might the Produce Specialist need to use?

The Produce Specialist will use Salesforce (Sysco’s CRM tool) and will be proficient in Microsoft Applications Suite.

What qualities should a candidate possess to succeed in this role?

Candidates should be proactive, self-directed, flexible, able to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, and demonstrate excellent organizational and project management skills.

Sysco

Travel & Leisure

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 71,000 colleagues, the company operates 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2022 that ended July 3, 2022, the company generated sales of more than $68 billion. Information about our CSR program, including Sysco’s 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, can be found at sysco.com/csr2021report.