Position Summary
The Route Sales Specialist (RSS) is a certified trainer, responsible for training new Route Sales Representatives and supporting all training processes. The RSS is responsible for the ordering, sales, delivery, and merchandising of a slate of nationally- and locally branded fresh baked products. Position is assigned to a company route to service retail customers, restaurants, and institutions with the goal of maximizing sales opportunities by meeting customer expectations and following established best practices. Position will drive incremental sales by executing the required market programs while exceeding customer expectations.
Position will require flexibility to work varying workdays and early morning start times. Generally, days off are Wednesday and Sundays but may vary at times. Potential for overnight travel outside of assigned location.
Positions requires an incumbent with an eagerness to gain industry knowledge and to learn the skills necessary for success.
Job Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Acting as a sales associate and delivery driver to drive retail sales and territory sales.
• Leverage internal sales data and company marketing plans to drive growth with customers through proper planning, ordering, and execution
• As needed, operate company routes and provide coverages of routes for route sales representatives’ (RSR) time off
• Provide a high level of in-field training to new route sales representatives including training on all tasks and objectives outline in the Route Sales Operations Manual
• Establish and maintain strong customer relations in order to effectively communicate sales solutions and improve customer satisfaction
• Order product using an online state-of-the-art order planner to ensure customers are receiving the freshest product possible
• Increase sales through shelf space expansion and the use of in-store promotions and displays
• Adhere to the route structure, stop sequence, and established service times in order to drive efficiency and to ensure continued customer satisfaction and consistent service times
• Know and follow all retailer/account standard operating procedures around check in/check out
• Adhere to the fresh market policy by appropriately rotating product and removing damaged or out-of-code product as necessary
• Follow shelf-life cycle of each brand/product
• Ensure shelf life is maximized with proper rotation of products to ensure that backstock is rotated and stocked first before the next fresh delivery is merchandized on shelves/displays
• Perform daily route settlement requirements: verifying product quantities, accurately invoicing the proper account, and adhering to the cash collection policy
• Perform an accurate weekly inventory in the handheld computer device at select accounts on specific days designated by the company
• Support the introduction of new products to the marketplace based on the retailer playbooks and gain additional shelf space and promotional displays to execute the rollout and drive consumer trial
• Obtain authorization (“sell in”) from accounts’ key decision makers for promotional product displays. Properly place and assemble displays to maximize exposure to consumers and to increase sales penetration
• Review weekly route analysis to identify voids and sales opportunities
• Review key performance indicators to reduce cost and drive sales
• Adhere to required shelf schematic/plan-o-gram to ensure customer compliance and to meet the objectives of brand teams
• Master the best practices of the Route Sales training program
• Must be able to obtain DOT certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
• Perform all required daily vehicle inspections, maintain accurate vehicle records, complete daily driver’s logs and time records as required
• Adhere to all company policies, Department of Transportation (DOT) policies, as well as local and federal regulations
• Maintain cleanliness of an organized workspace and vehicle
• Secure and organize inventory in the truck to prevent product damage
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures (Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity, Harassment, Sarbanes – Oxley, etc.)
Desired Experience
Minimum of 1 year related experience in retail sales, DSD sales, and/or business-to-business sales
Desired Education
Highschool diploma or GED
We offer a competitive salary and an excellent total rewards package. Please reply by 6/5/2024. Resumes are active for 30 days. Interested job seekers who successfully complete the series of pre-screening questions and who appear to possess the basic qualifications for this position may be contacted for a telephone interview.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability
If you need assistance with submitting your resume due to a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Sarah Biagiotti at Sarah.Biagiotti@flocorp.com or 207 604-6558 .
