Food Service Specialist job - Pine State Trading Co (A leader in Warehousing, Distribution and Servicing) - Gardiner, ME

Purpose: The Food Service Specialist is responsible for promoting and developing the food service program as directed by the Director of Sales and Sales Management. This position travels extensively within an assigned territory, prepares and demonstrates product, and delivers training presentations to customers and Pine State employees at a variety of venues. The Food Service Specialist will work in collaboration with supplier partners and the Pine State sales team to achieve sales and distribution objectives. The Food Service Specialist is responsible for compliance of Company standards and policies in all areas impacted by Sales.
Position Responsibilities: * Represent Pine State Trading Co. and its supplier partners with high energy, enthusiasm, and a professional demeanor. * Learn and maintain knowledge of food service products and practices including current sales and marketing techniques and product trends in the industry. * Use business metrics provided by Pine State Trading to formulate and execute action plan to attain company growth plan. * Travel to assigned accounts on a regular basis to prepare product and conduct training demonstrations. Food preparation will include baking, deep frying and other techniques using industrial kitchen equipment * Communicate new items, product information and competitive market information to generate dialogue and create “need” among target customers. * Present product and industry information to the Pine State sales team, customer service team and other key personnel through training sessions at semi-annual sales meetings, team meetings and on an individual basis. * Assist the Director with planning, set-up and presentations for trade shows and food shows as needed. * Under guidance from the Director, collaborate with supplier partners and the sales team to conduct market visits and identify new sales opportunities. * Prepare food service sample kits (Bag & Tag) as required. * Maintain positive professional relationships with supplier partners, customers and internal partners. * Complete and submit all administrative paperwork, i.e., comment sheets, schedules, etc., on or before deadline * Understand Pine State Trading product offering as relates to market demands. Provide input and make recommendations regarding product and program placement at Pine State Trading. * Other job related duties as they are assigned.
Position Requirements : * Four year degree in secondary education, or degree/certificate in culinary program, or equivalent experience. * Knowledge of food service industry with at least one year exp. in restaurants and catering (cooking, baking, sandwich, pizza making, etc.) or outside sales (food, beverage, paper goods, or restaurant equipment) * Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills * Customer service aptitude and willingness to work as part of a team * Flexibility to work extended hours as needed including late nights and weekends * Flexibility to travel on a daily basis within assigned territory and occasionally for training seminars and conferences conducted at supplier headquarters * Valid Driver’s license and safe driving record * Must comply with food handling and safety guidelines established by Pine State, supplier partners, customer locations and/or food service industry. * Must be able to multi-task, work under pressure to meet deadlines and handle shifting project priorities * Should be familiar with technical business applications i.e. MS Office programs, smart phone, and be comfortable with using same tools in selling environment.

Required experience:

• Food Service Sales: 3 years

Required experience:

Required education:

• High school or equivalent