Foodservice Sales Representative- North La

ABOUT US: 

Lyons Specialty Company, LLC is an independent wholesale distributor servicing 500+ accounts in convenience store retail and foodservice across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We are a family owned and operated business with over 100 years of stability, experience, and success. Our success is based on a strong commitment to maximizing the potential of our customers and employees alike. We are dedicated to adding value and supporting the internal growth of our talented and committed team! 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

SNAPSHOT: The Foodservice Territory Sales Representative represents and acts as the “Face of Lyons” providing the highest level of customer service to our foodservice/deli customers. The role is responsible for the overall food service/deli sales and relationship management efforts for existing and prospective customers within an assigned territory ensuring the deli business is developed. 

• COMPENSATION:  Base Salary + Commission, Bonus Eligibility, Car Allowance
• BENEFITS:  Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Short/Long Term Disability, PTO, Holiday Pay, 401(K) 
• COMMITMENT:  Full-Time 
• TERRITORY:  NORTH LA (Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, Shreveport, surrounding areas) 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Represents Lyons in a professional manner providing friendly service through direct communication and in-store customer support to build and foster profitable partnerships for both company and customer. 
• Executes food service sales plan and profit objectives based upon the department’s annual and long-term goals to achieve and exceed profitability. 
• Stays current with industry food trends, supply chain availability, company offerings and specials. 
• Hosts food demonstrations-prepare and cook food according to recipes and specifics wants/needs of the customers. 
• Communicates often and effectively with the Foodservice Buyer and Category Manager to initiate sample requests, demos, pricing, etc. 
• Regularly calls and works with existing / new customers to provide analysis of current and potential food service capabilities and deli products that support customer needs and growth. 
• Works with customers to build and grow weekly orders for mutual benefit using food knowledge and creative implementation. 
• Effectively communicates and educates customers on products, services, programs, credit terms, sales analysis reports and promotional strategies available through Lyons Specialty Co. 
• Ensures customers are provided with all the tools and training needed to properly place orders in a timely and consistent manner. 
• Works collaboratively with the accounting department and clients to ensure all balances are current based on pre-approved credit terms.
• Attends sales meetings both virtually and in-person. Promotes and attends annual events. 

ABOUT YOU: 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:  

• High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in business or related field is preferred. 
• 2+ years of foodservice sales, culinary related work experience. Visionary with food business instincts. 
• 3+ years’ professional and successful experience in outside sales and customer service at the distribution or retail level. In-store direct delivery / customer contact in Consumer Package Goods Sales preferred. 
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and sales software. 
• Must reside and able to travel within the assigned territory – Monroe, West Monroe, North LA

KEY ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Strong work ethic and self-motivated to have sound methods for follow-up and work independently of direct supervision and as part of a team. 
• Strategic thinker, inquisitive, innovative, and creative to build relationships, network, link resources and apply business practices. 
• Enthusiastic and driven to prospect (cold call) for new business, build customer rapport and close the sale. 
• Interact effectively within all accounts and levels of management and employees through communication in-person, over-the-phone, and in-writing. 

VALUABLE CHARACTERISTICS (that define Lyons Specialty Co. Culture): 

• Pride – Being and doing your best even when no one else is looking.
• Passionate – The internal drive for individual, team, and company.
• Adaptable – A willingness to change when necessary.
• Resourceful – Using existing tools and processes to execute responsibilities timely and accurately. 
• Winning – Self-motivated and goal-driven to go out and win the day – EVERY DAY!

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicable candidates will be required to submit authorization and successfully complete Pre-Employment Screening:

• Criminal Background Investigation.
• Motor Vehicle Record and Valid Driver’s License
• Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Test.  

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, preferred abilities, and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment. 

Lyons Specialty Co., LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.