ABOUT ROLAND FOODS
Roland Foods, LLC, based in New York City, is an importer and distributor of high-quality specialty food products from more than 60 countries. Founded in Paris in 1934 and established in the U.S. in 1939, the Company provides customers with exceptional specialty foods, primarily offered under the Roland brand. The company has a national presence in the foodservice, retail, and industrial channels as well as international sales in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Roland Foods’ dedication to providing quality and consistency has made it a leader among food importers and suppliers. The Roland brand is synonymous with quality and authenticity for the consumer and chef alike.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Roland Foods is excited and committed to growing our Foodservice sales team, and we are seeking an experienced and motived sales professional to contribute to the overall growth of a defined regional portfolio with a focus on existing Foodservice Distributor and Regional Multi-Unit customers. The Regional Sales Specialist (RSS) is a quota carrying sales position that will interact with distributor sales teams, buyers, category managers and other decision makers to drive regional growth with a focus on generating incremental new business. This is a performance-driven role with an emphasis on driving independent street sales through direct engagement.
The ideal candidate demonstrates fundamentally strong culinary and operations knowledge, with foodservice sales and/or purchasing experience, a results-driven mindset, and a self-motivated desire to win. Expectations include driving incremental sales in the existing customer base, new customer acquisition, defending existing business, and satisfying customer activities and organizational commitments as needed to create strong partnerships.
Additionally, the RSS should be able to effectively manage and initiate cross-functional collaboration with regional sales teams, Supply Chain, Revenue Management, Strategic Sourcing and Marketing departments. The Roland Foods sales team is dedicated to working across multiple business segments; distributors, local, regional, and nationally positioned end users, and industrial customers to maintain current business while driving growth through collaboration focused on solutions, ideas and products. You will work with a dynamic team dedicated to providing the highest quality of products while developing meaningful and strategic partnerships with our valued customers.
LOCATION
Remote position based in NY Metro with easy access to the tristate area.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
Manage direct account business* Direct account management with a focus on foodservice distributors and end-users
Coordination with local and regional distributors to effectively service operators, maintaining high service levels
Facilitate quarterly / mid-year / annual business review processes with current customers ensuring consistent contact and follow-up on new business opportunities Develop strategic partnerships with end-user accounts
Maintain pricing agreement and renewals with national and chain account customers * Drive business development activities of products with end-users through educations, building relationships and traditional selling efforts
Support existing business and pursue new placement opportunities with the goal of creating incremental growth through direct and indirect selling activities Drive unit volume growth and execute regional & organizational initiatives
Support and promote the Roland Foods’ brand through product demonstrations, trainings, targeted sampling, and end-user engagement
Document any and all activity around the customer for ongoing reference, performance management and future internal growth
Run and facilitate activities in region to promote the Roland Foods’ brand, including targeted promotional campaigns, distributor sales meetings and trainings
Participate in various national & regional trade shows where appropriate
Execute recipe development and menu ideation
Introduce new products, enter sample requests and follow up Key performance metrics
Execution of regional business plans to exceed net sales targets * Individual quota attainment for new opportunity wins
Individual quota attainment for strategic activity goals and benchmark
Quantifiable achievement of self-defined personal goals
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Culinary Arts Degree required
2+ years of prior account management/ sales / purchasing experience preferred
5+ years of experience in the food industry; in particular, hospitality and foodservice
Strong administrative and organizational skills with experience using a CRM program, preferably Salesforce, required
Strong communication and presentation skills in front of groups of all sizes required
Organized, detail-oriented with strong technical writing skills required * Ability to travel up to 50% required
Previous exposure/integration in the Industrial/Manufacturing segments a bonus.
Founded by immigrants, Roland Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together. All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!
Roland Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Roland Foods considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Roland Foods is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com.