Specialty Imports Sales Specialist

Accountabilities:: Develop and execute targeted Specialty and Import sales strategies to achieve individual and regional annual business goals, driving profitable sales growth and increased penetration across relevant categories and segments. Identify customer and prospect needs and build tailored product mixes and solutions that address their operational and business objectives. Use data analytics, market insights, and sales reports to prioritize opportunities, allocate time effectively, and focus efforts on the highest-potential accounts. Prospect for new business, qualify opportunities, and actively support the conversion of high-value prospects into new customers. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market conditions, product innovations, competitor offerings, pricing, and sales activity, sharing relevant insights with customers and sales team members. Track sales activities, opportunities, and results through Salesforce, collaborating with colleagues and supporting a coordinated team-selling approach. Use product sampling strategically and as part of a solutions-oriented sales process to demonstrate value and help close opportunities. Provide feedback to specialty and merchandising teams on product quality, integrity, assortment, customer satisfaction, perceived value, and competitive activity. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, specialists, sales colleagues, European import partners, specialty and import manufacturers, and the broker community. Support prioritized sales initiatives through direct customer engagement and participation in food shows, industry events, trainings, sales meetings, and other commercial activities. Research and leverage product discounts, service information, special offers, and segment promotions to increase profitability and strengthen customer satisfaction. Present information on industry trends, market conditions, and competitive activity when requested, while supporting reviews of inventory levels and related business needs. Participate in ongoing education and continual learning opportunities related to European Imports and the Specialty and Import segment. Leverage market support resources to facilitate cross-regional sales opportunities, support national accounts and emerging chains, and use field-ready point-of-sale materials, product videos, trainings, and sales events to strengthen commercial execution. Requirements High school diploma or GED with at least 3 years of sales experience in a retail, broker, wholesale, or distribution environment, with deep expertise in Specialty and Import categories. Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent educational background is preferred. Strong knowledge of Specialty and Import products, market trends, and category dynamics; internal and/or external certifications may be required. Demonstrated success in consultative selling, networking, negotiations, customer relationship development, and new business acquisition. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret reports, analyze data, and turn insights into sales actions. Strong financial acumen, including the ability to understand profit and loss, food costs, expense ratios, and business planning. Strong understanding of business and restaurant operations, particularly when working with sophisticated customers. Ability to develop, plan, and execute business strategies while managing multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously. Excellent communication, interpersonal, business writing, grammar, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn and effectively use proprietary CRM tools for sales planning, forecasting, opportunity management, and growth tracking. Understanding of marketing principles, product lines, ordering procedures, and applicable credit terms. Proactive, self-directed, flexible, and comfortable adapting to changing priorities and new ideas. Strong organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and consistently deliver accurate, thorough, high-quality work. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Benefits Full-time position with a compensation range of $92,400–$138,600 . Eligibility to participate in an incentive plan. Opportunity to work in a professional sales environment focused on Specialty and Import products and customer solutions. Travel opportunity of up to 50% , including customer and industry events. Access to ongoing education and professional development opportunities related to the role and Specialty/Import market. Support from specialized market resources, sales tools, product materials, trainings, and field events. Benefits information is available through the employer's benefits program.