What are the responsibilities and job description for the Independent Sales Representative position at Chex Finer Foods?
Who We Are:
Chex Finer Foods is a third-generation, regional distributor of specialty and natural foods serving over 1,000 retailers along the east coast. As an industry leader for more than 60 years, we’ve delivered high-quality products through trusted partnerships, operational excellence, and exceptional service. Our close-knit team of employees are committed, driven, collaborative, creative and, above all else, passionate about what we do. Come grow with us!
The Opportunity:
We are seeking an Independent Sales Representative who will be responsible for managing our independent grocer accounts in the Western MA & Eastern NY Area. Create and execute sales plans by meeting with retail buyers to review assortments, introduce new items, present promotional programs, create and execute collaborative business plans. Complete order writing for select customers. Develop and maintain a professional relationship with accounts, vendors, and company operations.
The Responsibilities:
Account Management
- Manage relationships with assigned accounts to maximize and realize sales potential.
- Call on retailers based on the agreed upon schedule.
- Function as primary customer contact and relationship manager with all assigned accounts.
- Successfully present company programs, category reviews and new item presentations to achieve sales goals and KPI’s.
- Write and transmit orders for select customers.
- Work with the sales management to develop sales targets and ensure the highest levels of service is achieved.
- Negotiate marketing plans, conduct business reviews, resolve key distributor problems, including deduction reconciliation and leveraging inside teammates as necessary.
- Work with purchasing, brand management, key accounts, and marketing to plan and implement ads, displays and seasonal opportunities.
- Identify and respond in a timely manner to all opportunities to present new and existing product lines to customers.
- Engage Buyers, Managers and Owners of accounts to ensure a mutually beneficial and profitable relationship.
Sales and Business Planning
- Develop and execute monthly, quarterly and annual sales plans to achieve budgeted sales goals.
- Prepare and execute business plans for accounts that include monthly meetings, quarterly sales /top seller reviews and annual business reviews.
- Maintain the highest level of product knowledge and the ability to identify voids in the assortments.
- Monitor competitor activities in the sales territory, recommend paths forward to increase company sales, and follow up on these opportunities. Know the market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided.
- Secure new accounts by identifying targets, effectively communicating the Chex value proposition to independent retailers and closing the business opportunity.
- Attend the monthly sales meeting.
- Follow-through on account plans & objectives to reach targeted sales and cost objectives. Report progress toward achieving goals and communicate results to sales management.
Account Coordination
- Communicate appropriately with key account representatives. Ensures that information is conveyed as appropriate and that lines of communication are open.
- Cultivate and fosters team building and cooperation and effectively work with team members to achieve goals and further career development.
- Submits accurate, timely, and complete reports by account to management. Ensures that reports and records are accessible and meaningful for decision making processes.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 2 years’ experience in Sales. Grocery retail sales preferred.
- Work and excel in an entrepreneurial environment and be highly motivated to grow sales; seek and find opportunities; resourceful, able to work independently.
- Outstanding communication skills (oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation) in a professional manner at all levels of the organization.
- Excellent negotiation skills and strong interpersonal skills and ability to successfully build relationships internally and externally, leveraging relations to achieve business goals.
- Highly motivated, results-driven and able to work autonomously; detail-oriented, ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Above average computer skills - Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Skilled using i-pad for order writing and presentations.
- Ability to make sound judgements, recommendations and plans that demonstrate win-win partnership approach that aligns interests with our retailers, brands, and company.
- Passionate about making a positive impact in the organization and with our vendor community.
- Dedicated to making it happen. Committed to the relentless pursuit of getting it done.
- Impeccable and detailed follow-up skills.
- Must be a foodie and understand the specialty and natural market and trends.
What We Bring:
- Impact: Be a key contributor in a tight-knit team where your work is visible and valued
- Culture: We lead with trust, care deeply, and build lasting relationships – internally and externally
- Growth: As our business scales, you’ll gain exposure to new responsibilities, and development opportunities
- Stability: A growing, privately held company with long-term vision and values at our core
- Flexibility: A collaborative workplace with hybrid work options and work-life balance
Work Schedule, Travel & Compensation:
- Daily travel throughout the territory.
- Work is performed largely in customer stores.
- Headquarters in Mansfield, MA where monthly sales meetings are held. Occasional overnight travel may be required to participate in trainings, meetings, or other company events.
- The hours of work will generally be during regular customer business hours.
- Variation in work hours due to employee and customer schedules, special projects, deadlines, and tradeshows.
- Salary range is $70,000 - $90,000 (commission eligible). Pay is commensurate with experience.
Chex Finer Foods offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan options, tuition reimbursement and much more!
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000