Product Specialist

Gordon Food Service; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Food Service is hiring for a hybrid role in Madison focused on executing strategic category plans to drive volume and profit. You will work with District Sales Representatives, customers, and brokers to meet category goals and develop training for sales teams.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree plus experience in product, marketing, or internal sales, or six years of related work in lieu of a degree. A valid driver’s license and strong Excel/Office skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in business/marketing.
• Experience in product, marketing or internal sales preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Execute category plans to hit volume and profit targets.
• Collaborate with customers, brokers and vendors to reach goals.
• Provide consultative selling on product category with DSRs and customers.
• Analyze reports to understand KPIs and category impact.
• Develop action plans to achieve goals for the assigned market/region.
• Develop training modules for sales product training.
• Analyze trends and forecasts to identify segments and targets.
• Build relationships with key customers for product insights.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Marketing

2+ years in product, marketing or internal sales

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...

Position Summary:

Executes strategic category plans to achieve volume and profit targets in support of segmented customer and brand marketing plans as defined by the division.

What you will do:

• Interfaces and collaborates with internal and external customers, brokers, and vendors to achieve sales and margin goals.
• Provides consultative selling services on product category with District Sales Representatives (DSR) and customers as requested to achieve category goals.
• Analyzes relevant reports to understand the sales Market or Region key performance indicators and category impact and resources that drive effective decision-making.
• Develops action plans to achieve category goals for the assigned Market, Region or Division.
• Develops and utilizes training modules to plan and execute sales product training.
• Analyzes sales reports, market trends and forecasts to identify segments and account targets. Identifies and presents product and produce trend information to internal and external customers.
• Develops relationships with key customers to provide product expertise and product marketing trends.
• Participates in food shows, and other related shows and activities, presenting product information in support of strategic plans.
• Attends and contributes to meetings and activities as requested in support of identified needs and Market, Region or Division meetings as appropriate.
• Provides input into the creation, measurement and execution of the marketing and management of product related expenses and resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When you will work:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day from home.

What you bring to the table:

• Bachelor degree plus two years previous product, marketing, or internal sales experience -or- six years previous product, marketing, or internal sales experience in lieu of a bachelor degree.
• Bachelor Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or other related field preferred.
• Must maintain a valid, unrestricted state driver's license and safe driving record per GFS policy required.
• Develops solutions to a variety of complex problems.
• Knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, email and internet software applications;
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and recourse, and time management skills.
• Must be able to read, interpret and execute plans and instructions.
• Must have detailed knowledge of product and market trends and the link to business goals.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with a variety of teams and individual DSR and be able to prioritize and schedule and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Observe legal and safety procedures.

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to [e-mail] and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco‑free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug‑free workplace and conducts pre‑employment drug tests.