Chain Account Specialist (Food Broker)

Chain Account Specialist (Food Broker)

Charlotte, NC

Affinity Group is seeking a sales-driven, business development influencer to be our next Chain Account Specialist (Multi-Unit Restaurants) to spearhead growth in our North Carolina market. This is a great opportunity for a passionate sales professional with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Who we're looking for:

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of wholesale food manufacturer experience, preferably at the national level. Culinary experience is a plus, but outside sales account management is a must-have for this opportunity.

This position will report to our Regional Market Director and must have prior experience within any of the following: outside sales (preferred), account management, relationship management, direct/indirect sales, business development, or business-to-business.

This individual will also be responsible for developing and executing a customized business selling strategy for assigned multi-unit chain restaurant accounts. The right candidate is very collaborative but can also operate independently and prioritize their day, with minimal oversight. A savvy, consultative selling approach that enables trust with our clients is critical to success in this role.

Who We Are:

Your Bridge to Success | Why Our People Love Affinity Group

Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies, with a national presence throughout North America. We represent some of the most recognizable and well-regarded food brands in the industry. 

Supported by the corporate sales support team, you’ll be part of a team that drives brand awareness and increases market demand for our clients. Affinity Group brings decades of expertise and a consultative system that is tailored for a localized approach.

What You’ll Do

• Establish relationships and show a strong consultative selling approach to key stakeholders and decision-makers of multi-unit chain restaurant professionals. 
• Prospect and hunt for new business within a defined territory of accounts with support from Marketing and a Business Intelligence resource.
• Influence without authority key decision-makers and develop trust with multi-unit restaurant chains.
• Maintain a strong understanding of key differentiators and the competitive landscape.
• Develop creative solutions for restaurant chef/culinarians and on-site restaurant operators.
• Work closely with local market leadership and cross-functional sales support teams to execute an ambitious market penetration strategy. 
• Update every action within our CRM to help us understand what is and isn't working. 
• Manage pipeline and sales activity with an ability to accurately forecast. 
• Ability to prepare or learn how to properly cook food products and design menu combinations in support of the selling cycle.

• Sales/Business Development: Experience calling on key accounts, market prospecting, and sales pipeline management.
• Credibility: 3-5 years' experience with a food brokerage, foodservice operations management and/or a national food/beverage manufacturer.
• Discipline: Ability to develop, execute, and follow a sales plan.
• Influence Without Authority: Communicator that can influence change in others.
• Relationships: Positive professional with a pro-active attitude that connects.
• Teamwork: Ability to partner with diverse teams and the teachability to learn from others.
• Driver’s License: Position requires daily travel by personal vehicle. A current/active license with a clean Motor Vehicle Record is required.

• The typical work week: Monday through Friday
• During the food trade show season, the position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, with the ability to safely lift case goods (up to 50 lbs.).  
• Travel: Position requires daily motor vehicle travel to assigned locations.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans
• Company life insurance, supplemental insurance, and short/long term benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.