Sales Representative Trainee HQ FG c

Summary

The Sales Representative Trainee position is an entry-level sales position and is a part of the broader Sales Planning Team, playing an important role in supporting the Sales Planners. This role will assist the development of market plans designed to help our sales team meet their objectives. This role is a unique opportunity to gain tangible sales experience and valuable exposure to the functional support areas, including marketing, finance, demand planning, and sales operations. We will provide ample development, training and support to prepare the Sales Representative Trainee to take on additional responsibilities within the organization and grow professionally.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities (Pre-Market Assignment)

• Attend product trainings, learn sales practices, tour facilities, build internal relationships, and travel to multiple markets within the program timeframe
• Become proficient with the Simplot sales process, Simplot products and execution of market strategies.
• Be highly engaged in the use of Simplot’s Salesforce platform, and leverage that knowledge into account management proficiencies
• Develop communication skills, presentation capabilities, professional development, and time management techniques
• Conduct local prospecting and perform in market sales call

Responsibilities (Once in market)

• Profile and penetrate key operator accounts determined by local sales management that are critical to the success of territory sales.
• Fully embrace and become proficient with the Simplot Sales Process and executing the go-to-market strategies of the Food Service Division.
• Using a consultative approach, communicate the selling benefits of the Simplot product line in addition to the sale of products to ensure that customers are provided with the product knowledge they need to be successful.
• Establish and develop relationships with key management and sales personnel at assigned focused operators, assigned distributor and other market channels. Accumulate information to understand these various customers to interact as needed.
• Share in the responsibilities surrounding distributor sales department trainings, plus general and regional sales meetings.
• Assist teams throughout the region in support of large-scale sales events such as food shows and industry trade meetings
• Lift and carry 30 pounds, utilize culinary influence, and conduct product demos, work in a commercial kitchen, and demonstrate product to customers.
• Deliver on set sales goals and manage product portfolio.
• Represent the full Simplot product line in all sales capacities. Conduct sales calls to key leverage operators in the market, sometimes extending across multiple markets. Utilize various means to recruit and establish new partnerships for the sales of products.
• Build relationships and partner with various internal departments such as Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Culinary, Demand Planning, Production, and Logistics to accomplish key initiatives and complete day-to-day operations.
• Research industry and marketing trends and develop product suggestions based on findings. Supply programs, information, and tools that aid selling efforts.
• Be actively engaged in promoting and driving sales across the entire food service product portfolio with priority emphasis on those product categories and individual products identified as the most strategically and financially important to the division.
• Be highly engaged in the use and leverage available with the Simplot CRM system (Salesforce.com) to drive efficiency and strong results.
• Work to drive customer acceptance of new product introductions and other innovation as relevant to the market.
• Understand local market dynamics – operators, distributors, competitors, etc. – and incorporate as necessary into local market sales plans
• Ensure sales forecast and profit targets are met.
• Consistent with the division marketing calendar, will be responsible to execute promotional and other scheduled activities to drive results.
• Identify or follow-up on new operator sales opportunities with ability to assess the opportunity and match to product and other solutions, e.g., merchandising, recipe, culinary, etc.
• Successfully persuade and influence customers and internal teams without authority, in a professional and collaborative way

Typical Education

Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university (required)

Relevant Experience

No prior experience required

Required Certifications

Other Information

Combination of education, training and/or experience will be considered for this position. Demonstrated understanding of sales and foodservice industry knowledge preferred. Dynamic personality, quick learner, positive attitude, great work ethic and flexibility. Capable of multi-tasking to manage unexpected demands from daily activities. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Presentation. Being self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to influence others while being professional in conduct and presentation is key. Flexibility to move for market placement is required. Market placement will be a remote position once stationed there.

• Targeting a start date of June 2024
• Must have open mobility. Four Month training takes place in Boise, ID and afterwards the sales representative will be placed in an assigned market.