Outside Sales - Food Service Sales - job 1 of 2

As an Outside Sales Representative at Charlie's Produce, your main responsibilities will include coordinating activities related to produce sales, ensuring customer satisfaction, maintaining effective professional relationships with restaurant owners and retailers, and presenting profitable programs to potential and existing customers. You will also be responsible for individual account sales and gross profit, as well as aiding in special projects and promotions.

To apply for the Outside Sales position at Charlie's Produce, candidates should have at least 1+ years of business-to-business outside sales experience in the produce, grocery, or restaurant industry. Strong interpersonal skills, a keen attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office are also essential for success in this role.

Charlie's Produce is known for its amazing company culture which emphasizes a collaborative environment and rewards loyalty and innovation. As an Outside Sales Representative, you'll be part of a team that is passionate about food and dedicated to enhancing local communities through quality produce.

Outside Sales employees at Charlie's Produce can expect comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, ESOP (Profit Sharing), a 401(k) plan, paid time off, pre-tax commuter benefits, and even 100% prepaid college tuition for employees and their dependents. Additionally, we emphasize work-life balance with flexible working conditions.

At Charlie's Produce, we are committed to employee growth and development, offering yearly reviews that can lead to salary increases based on performance. We also engage employees in special projects, helping them to acquire new skills and further their careers within the company.

When building relationships with new customers, it’s important to first listen and understand their specific needs and preferences. Tailoring your offers and maintaining consistent communication will establish trust. Sharing insights on market trends can also position you as an expert while highlighting how Charlie's Produce can meet their unique demands.

A compelling sales pitch combines thorough product knowledge with understanding customer needs. Begin by addressing your prospect’s pain points and presenting solutions that highlight how Charlie’s Produce can add value. Use engaging visuals or samples if possible, and always conclude by inviting questions and discussions.

Staying organized is crucial as an Outside Sales Representative. I utilize a CRM tool to track interactions and manage customer data effectively. Additionally, I set reminders for follow-ups and prioritize my responsibilities to ensure timely responses and service to all accounts.

While discussing my experience, I would highlight my background in food service sales, including any roles that required me to understand produce commodities. It’s essential to convey how this experience helps me provide valuable insights and consult with clients effectively, ensuring they receive the best quality products.

Handling difficult customers requires empathy and effective communication. I would first listen actively to understand their concerns, then work collaboratively to find a solution that aligns with both Charlie's Produce’s capabilities and their expectations. Follow-up communication ensures customer satisfaction.

The key to maintaining long-term customer relationships lies in trust and reliability. Regular check-ins, providing tailored product suggestions, and delivering exceptional customer service create a partnership atmosphere. Customers should always feel valued and prioritized.

Preparation for a sales meeting involves researching the client's business, understanding their market position, and identifying relevant pain points that Charlie's Produce can solve. I would prepare a presentation that showcases how our products meet their needs, along with samples if appropriate.

Tracking sales performance is vital; I use CRM software to analyze metrics and identify trends. This allows me to spot areas for improvement and set actionable goals. Regularly reviewing my sales data ensures that I stay aligned with my targets and can adjust my strategy as needed.

I am passionate about the food service industry and impressed by Charlie's Produce's commitment to quality and community. This aligns with my values, and I believe that working for a leader in the industry will allow me to leverage my skills and grow professionally, while making a positive impact on local businesses.

I find that the dynamic nature of the produce industry is especially exciting, with its constant innovation and the challenge of meeting diverse customer demands. I love being part of a process that connects high-quality products directly to local communities, enhancing their culinary experiences.