Sales Account Representative
: Job Details :

SUMMARY:The Sales Account Representative is an entry level position responsible for learning the sales processes by promoting products and services, to include building relationships with new and existing accounts. The goal for this position is to demonstrate competency in position, leading to promotion for next level. This position often requires working non-traditional hours (evening, weekends, and holidays) to successfully meet customers' needs.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:•Continuous learning of all sales processes, with hands-on participation.•Working in the field with our Sales Account Executives to observe best practices .•Practice the sales call process with existing and then prospective customers.•Attending and active participation in all sales meetings, district meetings, new product showings, and food show events.•Learning the sales functions through a rotation of internal department trainings.•Responsible for ongoing education for continuous improvement opportunities. Foodservice industry publications, internal company support, and sales department as examples.•Individuals will get trained on the vast array of products and services that the company offers.•A comprehensive blend of hands-on engagement, job shadowing with independent study.•Driven focus on enhancing relationship with our supplier and brokerage partners for product lines by identifying new product opportunities, and/or product, packaging, and service changes.•Training program will include extensive coverage for fellow sales team members on vacation. This will require the individual to be adaptable, flexible, and comfortable with overnight travel.•The position will also be included on the department market blitz team, often visiting unfamiliar markets to sell the benefits of the company.•Actively participate and support customer menu planners in facility kitchen; traveling kitchen bus customer events; customer grilling events; company events for culinary support•Building relationships with current and prospective customers is essential for success.•Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the company, and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge, and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.•Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.•Requires regular attendance to perform essential tasks for job description success.•Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:•Desire to be the best and represent the company as best in class in our industry.•Understand and own the opportunity to assist company in developing training program.•Inherent customer service skills a necessity; great communication and follow-up.•Building trust, customer loyalty, and persuasive communication style are relevant to applicant.•Successfully handle stress and pressure without doubt and uncertainty.•Relocation potential upon successful completion of sales training development.Education & Experience:•Bachelor's degree preferred or Associates degree plus minimum 1 year of related experience.o A strong preference given to those with a degree in Hospitality or Supply Chain.•Without a degree, minimum 2 years of sales and/or restaurant experience required.•Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record, per Upper Lakes Foods, Inc's company vehicle policy.•Serv-Safe CertificationPHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & WORKING CONDITIONS:•Possess the ability to hold positive relationships with customers, co-workers, and customers.•Light physical exertion, standing, bending, and reaching, and lifting and carrying of light loads.•Must have visual and aural faculties sufficient to enable employee to perform all tasks as set forth and assigned to him/her.•Ability to lift no less than 40 pounds regularly.•Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities.ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS:Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota. The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI. We specialize in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier, and community we serve by bringing the best, the best products, best people, and best ideas.CORE VALUES:•Strong Work Ethic - We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance, and consistency of character.•Positive Attitude - We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable, and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.•Integrity - We believe in honesty, truthfulness, and consistency of our actions.•Teamwork - We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety, and service.•Professional Appearance - We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness, and appropriate business dress.•Respectful Interaction - We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.