Sales Representative – Columbus Territory
Position Summary
Catanese Classics is a family-owned foodservice distributor specializing in premium meat, seafood, and specialty products. We are seeking an energetic and customer-focused Sales Representative to expand our presence in the Columbus market while providing exceptional service to our existing customers.
This role is responsible for developing strong customer relationships, generating new business opportunities, maximizing sales and gross profit, and serving as a trusted partner to customers in the foodservice industry. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated sales professional who enjoys building relationships, developing new business, and working independently in the field.
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting salary of $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- Base salary plus bonus opportunity.
- Health insurance available.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) available after 90 days of employment.
- 401(k) retirement plan eligibility after 6 months of employment.
- Company matching contributions available after 12 months of employment.
- Company-provided cell phone.
- Company gas card.
- Monthly automobile allowance.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote, sell, and secure orders from existing and prospective customers through a relationship-based sales approach.
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Catanese Classics products and services and assist customers in selecting solutions that best meet their needs.
- Establish, develop, and maintain strong business relationships with current and prospective customers within the assigned territory.
- Conduct regular in-person customer visits, presentations, and business reviews.
- Manage customer orders with a focus on maximizing sales and gross profit objectives.
- Coordinate with inside sales partners to review, oversee, and ensure accurate order entry.
- Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries, concerns, and service issues.
- Review daily out-of-stock reports, shortages, and transportation issues, and implement timely solutions.
- Submit detailed weekly sales activity reports to the Sales Manager.
- Analyze daily and weekly sales and margin reports to identify growth opportunities and improve performance.
- Stay informed on product applications, industry trends, market conditions, competitive activity, and key distributors within the territory.
- Participate in company meetings, sales training programs, and other Catanese Classics activities.
- Monthly travel to Cleveland is required for company meetings and training.
- Facilitate communication between customer Accounts Payable personnel and Catanese Classics Accounts Receivable representatives.
- Monitor customer accounts and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) performance, recognizing warning signs that may require No Ship or Cash on Delivery (COD) status.
- Maintain and update bid files, customer profiles, and customer call records to ensure accurate pricing and product information while minimizing credits and returns.
- Demonstrate effective time management, territory management, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Review and manage customer credits and returns.
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Sales experience.
- Strong consultative selling skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
- Strong customer service orientation and sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
- Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
- Ability to learn and become proficient in AFS.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred
- Extensive knowledge of the meat and seafood industry.
- Restaurant, food service, or culinary experience with a demonstrated ability to learn and apply new product knowledge quickly.
- Proven ability to grow and develop customer accounts and generate new business opportunities.
Working Conditions
- Frequent local travel throughout the assigned territory.
- Regular in-person customer meetings and sales presentations.
- Monthly travel to Cleveland for company meetings and training.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs, emerging technologies, operational improvements, productivity requirements, and other factors.
Catanese Classics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: On the road
