Essential Functions:

• Provide Development Opportunities and Mentoring: Mentor Customer Development Specialists (CDS) and develop succession plans for the managed area. Collaborate with CDS to identify goals and objectives, provide regular feedback through evaluations or coaching sessions, assign project responsibilities, and lead the team effectively.

• Oversee Business Plan Development: Oversee the creation of business plans for the territory and customers. Assist with new account development and visit key customers to build relationships and resolve serious customer concerns. Collaborate with operations teams to meet customer service expectations.

• Collaborate with Key Stakeholders: Work with Regional Chain Managers, National Chain Managers, Category Specialists, and Customer Segment Leaders to meet customer needs and support the Division’s sales and marketing plans.

• Analyze Reports: Review and analyze weekly and monthly reports to improve sales, margins, manage accounts receivable, develop staff, and identify problems and solutions. Develop and submit periodic reports on area progress and issues to the direct supervisor.

• Performance Reviews: Conduct reviews of performance plans and make necessary adjustments to achieve goals. Ensure CDS skills meet requirements by providing and monitoring training effectiveness, especially through “in the car” ride-with programs.

• Customer Visibility and Engagement: Maintain visibility with key customers, segments, or associations. Participate in regional customer events and plan or facilitate periodic meetings or activities for the region and/or division.

• Set and Review Targets: Oversee the development of targets for individual CDS and collaborate with the direct supervisor to develop and meet goals that support regional, divisional, and US goals, including sales, margin, and new business. Regularly review goal results.

• Expense Management: Collaborate with the direct supervisor to make expense recommendations for the team during the Annual Operating Planning process each year.

• Industry Knowledge: Maintain knowledge of the segment through industry magazines and local culinary organizations. Demonstrate understanding of the Foodservice Industry and operations, including sales building, staffing, profitability, and compliance.

• Staff Management: Interview, hire, train, and retain sales staff. Conduct performance monitoring, initiate disciplinary actions, and consult with Human Resources for terminations when necessary. Mentor, motivate, and develop staff, acting as a role model and resource.

• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must maintain a valid state driver’s license and  

  safe driving record per GFS policy

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• This position requires excellent supervisory, customer service, problem solving, interpersonal, communication, and mentoring skills to represent the department, speak at minor functions, and resolve vendor problems.

• Must have good time management, administration, collaboration and organizational skills to understand and assist in developing relationships between sales, transportation and the customer.

• Must be able to develop, refine, communicate, and implement plans.

• Must have industry and segment knowledge and be able to analyze and interpret data.

• Must be a strategic thinker in order to build relationships, network, and link resources to plan and execute business practices and achieve business goals.

• Must be able to develop profitability models and other analytical tools.

• Must be able to read and interpret complex documents and have very good mathematical aptitude.

• Must be able to work “exceptional” hours including evenings and weekends.

• Must possess good evaluation, feedback, and training skills.

* Four to six years previous sales or business experience with an understanding of segment needs, customer and business type requirements, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.