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The primary purpose of the Fresh Product Specialist is to increase sales and penetration of our fresh categories, which includes Produce as well as COP (protein items) by providing category expertise and selling both independently and jointly with Territory Managers (TMs) through the following: consultative services to aid customers through improved utilization of the fresh categories; SOUS training; conducting product demonstrations to increase category and product knowledge.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Responsible for driving penetration and growth of assigned categories through consultative sales activities with targeted customers both independently and with Territory Managers.

Provide product expertise and sales support for all aspects of the category including promotional opportunities, product information, suggested pricing, competitive information, and menu ideas prioritized for top penetration opportunities to achieve Market/Area case growth objectives for category, as well as, realize Exclusive Brand (EB) conversion opportunities.

Drive KPIs across fresh categories (including sales case growth, category penetration, EB penetration, and TM feedback) and competitive market pricing; work with TMs to refine product offering, order guides, and potential pricing for new accounts.

Support category specific product conversion activities, and new item sales opportunities based upon product margins, features, and benefits.

Assist TMs in opening new accounts with highest potential; accompany TMs on high potential accounts’ visits to provide specific product expertise. Train TMs, focusing on top penetration priorities and utilizing hands-on product and printed materials during monthly sales meetings and one-on-one opportunities in the field; coach TMs during ride-alongs.

Develop and present selling and relevant training materials in conjunction with Category Management and Training functions.

Demonstrate product use and/or menu applications at Market/Area and Customer locations providing consulting expertise to customers on the key product considerations, product features/benefits, and usage/preparation of the product. 

Assist in category growth by acquiring and providing marketing intelligence and customer feedback on product offerings, pricing, trends and innovations in the market; provide input into marketing / selling materials and events at the Market/Area and assist Category Management with sourcing and inventory requirements. 

Promote and provide business solutions to top customers, passing potential leads to Business Solutions’ team and facilitating a smooth transition.

Answer (limited) product questions from the TMs via phone or email.

Provide (limited) support to TMs in selling activities for non-prioritized opportunities.

Other duties as assigned by manager

SUPERVISION:

N/A

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Category Management, Sales (TMs, DSMs, RSMs, VP Local Sales), Chefs, Pricing

External: Customers, Vendors

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid: This role is partially remote, and the associate is expected to perform assigned responsibilities from a combined home-based and office-based environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in either COP or Produce categories with deep product knowledge

Must be willing to learn the other category to be prepared to represent both COP and Produce

Possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as solid interpersonal, presentation, and training skills

Up to 25% of travel

EDUCATION

High School diploma or equivalent required

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

N/A

LICENSES

N/A

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Consultative selling skills

Foodservice experience

Culinary training

Bachelor's degree

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Standard required physical activities including length of time performing each activity.

OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33 / FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% / CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% or NEVER

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:

FREQUENCY:

STAND: FREQUENTLY

WALK: FREQUENTLY

DRIVE: FREQUENTLY

SIT: FREQUENTLY

LIFT

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): FREQUENTLY

11-20 lbs (Light): FREQUENTLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): OCCASIONALLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): NEVER

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): NEVER

CARRY

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): FREQUENTLY

11-20 lbs (Light): FREQUENTLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): OCCASIONALLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): NEVER

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): NEVER

PUSH/PULL 1: OCCASIONALLY

CLIMB/BALANCE: OCCASIONALLY

STOOP/SQUAT: OCCASIONALLY

KNEEL: OCCASIONALLY

BEND: OCCASIONALLY

REACH ABOVE SHOULDER: OCCASIONALLY

TWIST: OCCASIONALLY

GRASP OBJECTS 2: OCCASIONALLY

MANIPULATE OBJECTS 3: FREQUENTLY

MANUAL DEXTERITY 4: CONTINUOUSLY

1 (Push/Pull: Dolly, cartons and boxes)

2 (Grasp Objects: Boxes and cartons)

3 (Manipulate Objects: Boxes and dolly)

4 (Manual Dexterity: Typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers)

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law. The expected base rate for this role is between $55,000-$90,000.

This role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus.

Benefits for this role include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short term and long term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html

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