Commercial Distribution Sales Specialist (Inside Sales)
Summary: This position is responsible for selling and bidding on commercial food service equipment and supplies, as well as promoting our design and consultation services, working from leads received from our sales team. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with clients, working with job specifications, aiding in design plans, developing bids and proposals tailored to these contracts, and staying involved with projects and sales through the implementation of equipment at job sites. The specialist must understand clients' needs, recommend suitable equipment solutions, and assist in design and drawings when required. Most work is done via phone, email and virtual meetings, but will have some travel.
Schedule:
- Work Hours: Generally: Monday - Friday, 8-5 pm, in our Omaha facility with occasional weekends or evenings for meetings, shows, training, and events.
- Travel: Occasional overnight stays and trips to training conferences.
Responsibilities:
General:
- Follow-up on lead provided by the sales team and clients reaching out to us. This will involve starting the information gathering process to determine what they need, their budget and timeline. Will occasionally ride with the sales team to visit these customers and provide suggestions those not actively looking for products and services our team offers.
- Reviewing drawings and contracts to ensure accuracy with the final purchase agreements.
- Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies.
- Provide client feedback to management and the contract/design teams.
- Continuously improve relationships with trades and service companies in our markets.
Bid Development:
- Coordinate with internal team members to assist with the bidding process as needed.
- Assist the design team with creating complete drawings to secure contractual design work.
Project Oversight:
- Manage project activities to ensure they stay on time and within budget.
- Convey credit terms and work with accounts receivable to ensure timely payments
- Collaborate with the Project Manager and transportation teams to stage projects and deliver equipment to job sites as required.
- Address any issues related to product or delivery, working with the service department, factories, and representatives to resolve any issues promptly.
- Work with factory representatives and the Project Manager to provide field training and other support as needed.
- Assist with measurements at job sites for new construction and remodeling projects.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all products in collaboration with the Service department, Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and Sales Manager.
Ongoing Responsibilities:
- Stay updated on product knowledge, applications, and industry trends within the restaurant equipment segment.
- Attend SEFA Training Conferences, dealer-designated company sales and training meetings, and trade shows as required.
- Continuously seek process efficiencies and strategies to grow profit margins and sales.
- Ensure that leads from CWD Distribution are properly credited (Finders fees)
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education/Training/Experience:
- A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or construction management preferred.
- Experience with CAD or Rivet for reading drawings, including electrical and mechanical details preferred.
- Understanding of commercial equipment, including installation, maintenance, and operation is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Effective task prioritization and time management is required
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, architects, contractors, and industry professionals is required
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer trends is required
- Ability to learn and retain knowledge about equipment features, benefits, installation, and operation is required
- Ability to work independently and stay motivated with limited supervision is required
- Providing exceptional customer service and support throughout project completion is required
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with various stakeholders is required
- Proficiency in using Outlook, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, and other assigned software is desired
- Experience managing project installations, including working with AIA payments, bonds, and COI insurance is desired
- Precision in pricing and selling high-value projects (ranging from $30K to $1M+) is helpful
- Understanding commercial kitchen operations and industry codes is helpful
Physical Requirements:
- Will generally do prolonged sitting and repetitive hand/finger motions for typing.
- Standing or walking for extended periods during shows and CWD training events.
Benefits:
- Immediate: Eligible for Paid holidays.
- 30 days: Eligible for employee pricing on goods sold.
- 60 days: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance eligibility, 2 PTO days.
- 90 days: Eligible to start contributing to your 401k.
- 180 days: 2 PTO days.
- 1 year: 401k match eligibility, 8 PTO days, Company Paid Life and Short-Term Disability insurance.
As one of the largest privately-owned food service distributors in the Midwest our family-owned company has a history of building strong relationships. The continued growth of current and new markets allows for the addition of new talent to join our team. Were seeking great people looking for professional and personnel growth and a place to make a difference in peoples lives. If you are interested in joining an innovative, supportive, values driven company, we invite you to consider a career with Sunflower Restaurant Supply a division of Cash-Wa Distributing.