Job Overview:

Provide leadership for the produce sales organization to drive profitable sales. Responsible for customer management and the development of tactical goals to achieve desired results Responsible for fostering and enhancing internal/external customer service, sales performance and achieving revenue and margin budgets by deploying and leading division sales teams.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an effective sales team through recruitment, selection, training, coaching and rewarding of sales staff.

• Identify ways to inspire a drive for process improvement in each staff member through performance management and career planning, by effectively communicating and executing individual and team goals, by facilitating resolution of customer issues, and ensuring customer order fulfillment.

• Maintain existing customers and revenue; develop and grow customer business, partnerships and relationships through staff.

• Manage sales team administration, including accounts receivables, time off and attendance scheduling, expense and travel budgets/reports, monthly sales reports, sales forecasts and other requested reports.  Coordinate scheduling with Division Manager.

• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with key players (key AO departments and colleagues, UNFI, etc.) to achieve short- and long-term sales goals and customer satisfaction.

• Provide strategies and creative solutions for assigned accounts.

• Work with team to control gross profit margin, customer credit; monitor credit and payment history for each customer.

• Visit accounts as necessary to enhance relationships, business and to resolve problems.

• Act as Inside/Outside Sales Representative as necessary; handle assigned call loads.

• Actively participate and contribute in sales and other business meetings.

• Assist Division Manager to develop sales and margin budgets and in developing detailed strategic plans.

• Obtain feedback from customers on inside/outside sales team effectiveness.

• Coordinate and/or lead other special projects as identified.

• Responsible for observing and ensuring all Sales/Purchasing Team members perform in accordance with HACCP and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location.

• Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Albert’s Recall Plan.

• Perform all duties and responsibilities in an ethical manner and in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training and experience

·       

Experience:

·       7+ years of sales and management / leadership experience, preferably in a perishable food distribution, retail or wholesale environment. 

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

·       Organics and Produce knowledge and/or experience a plus.

·       Demonstrated experience meeting and exceeding sales budgets. 

·       Competent working with sales systems and MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Work, Excel and PowerPoint.  

·       English/Spanish bilingual skills a plus.

·       Ability to demonstrate high level of personal initiative to achieve goals and objectives.

·       Able to develop and execute sales strategies and account planning to exceed sales goals.

·       Ability to lead, coach, inspire, motivate and train sales personnel.

·       Innovative, forward thinker; able to anticipate issues/opportunities and work through obstacles and potential roadblocks.

·       Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals throughout the organization and exemplify these qualities in a leadership role.

·       Ability to work effectively in a highly open, dynamic and collaborative environment.

·       Able to perform effectively in an environment that is progressing rapidly and where multiple priorities and tasks need to be constantly addressed.

·       Highly motivated sales professionals with strong team work ethic.

·       Ability to drive sales in a customer-centered environment.

·       Excellent influencing and negotiating skills.

·       Strong organizational and multitasking skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.