Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)

🔹 Company: Affinity Group

🔹 Location: Scarborough, Maine

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Food & Beverages

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing customized sales strategies for assigned operator accounts
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key personnel in assigned accounts
• Providing continuous product knowledge and training to clients
• Actively participating in industry events and trade shows
• Collaborating with the sales force to discuss go-to-market strategies, competitive reconnaissance, successes, and challenges

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and self-motivation, as well as strong communication and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in sales and a deep understanding of the foodservice industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain and develop a portfolio of priority and assigned accounts through in-person field and sales calls

✅ Stay up-to-date with operators in the account segment and act as a resource and solution provider for customers

✅ Foster continuous development and growth of priority operator accounts

✅ Assist with vendor fairs, distributor sales meetings, food shows, and industry trade events

✅ Ensure continuous client product knowledge and training

✅ Manage sales sample order process and troubleshoot product complaints

✅ Maintain competitive pricing and new/discontinued item information

✅ Attend and provide support at manufacturer/distributor training events

✅ Work closely with the entire sales force to discuss go-to-market strategies, competitive reconnaissance, successes, and challenges

✅ Understand each strategic account's menu rotations, population and trends, desired cost structure, opportunities for penetration or conversion, training and education of products, and multiple uses for products

✅ Maintain an up-to-date profile folder of each customer and utilize the CRM system weekly to report on sales call activity, updates, and follow-ups, in addition to customer profile management

✅ Participate in visits to key strategic accounts with a prepared itinerary one week in advance

✅ Be able to cook food products and put menu combinations together to aid in the sale process

✅ Other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of flexibility, as the Key Account Specialist may need to work evenings and weekends to accommodate the demands of the position and may require overnight travel within the territory.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant sales experience, preferably in the foodservice industry

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to execute and follow through on a sales plan
• Strong communication skills
• Adept at building trust and credibility
• Planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work well with teams and have strong motivational skills
• Strong problem-solving and strategic planning skills
• Proficiency in using a CRM system
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in a second language (Spanish)
• Experience with foodservice industry trends and insights

ASSUMPTION: While an Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred, the ideal candidate's skills and experience are more important than their formal education. The required skills listed above are essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for a Key Account Specialist in the foodservice industry)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Key Account Specialist in the foodservice industry. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Affinity Group operates in the foodservice and retail fresh food channels, helping clients and customers succeed with highly engaged leaders and tenured top sales and culinary talent in North America.

Company Size: Affinity Group is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a collaborative environment where employees can share their strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit clients, customers, and the organization.

Founded: Affinity Group was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, with additional locations in the United States and Canada.

Company Description:

• Affinity Group offers culinary support, store-level merchandising, sales planning, and strategy to help clients build their bridge to success
• The company operates in a collaborative environment, sharing strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit clients, customers, and the organization
• Affinity Group is focused on the foodservice and retail fresh food channels, helping clients and customers succeed with highly engaged leaders and tenured top sales and culinary talent in North America

Company Specialties:

• Food & Beverage
• Strategic Sales
• Planning & Execution
• Marketing & Customer Insight
• Competency Based Sales Training
• Culinary Support

Company Website: http://affinitysales.com/

ASSUMPTION: Affinity Group's collaborative environment and focus on sharing strengths, expertise, and resources make it an attractive place to work for individuals who enjoy working in a team and contributing to the success of the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring 2-5 years of relevant sales experience, preferably in the foodservice industry.

Reporting Structure: The Key Account Specialist reports directly to the Market Manager.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the potential for overnight travel within the territory.

Growth Opportunities:

• With experience and strong performance, there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
• Affinity Group's collaborative environment provides opportunities for employees to learn from and work with tenured top sales and culinary talent

ASSUMPTION: The Key Account Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in the foodservice industry and develop skills in sales, customer relationship management, and strategic planning.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Affinity Group's office is located in Scarborough, Maine, and provides a collaborative work environment where employees can share their strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit clients, customers, and the organization.

Office Location(s): 14700 West 107th St., Lenexa, KS 66215, US

Geographic Context:

• Scarborough, Maine, is a suburban city located near Portland, the state's largest city
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
• The cost of living in Scarborough is relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas in the Northeast

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The location of Affinity Group's office in Scarborough, Maine, provides employees with a convenient commute and access to a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Market Manager
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales experience and skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and strategic planning skills
• Cultural fit with Affinity Group's collaborative environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with the foodservice industry and your understanding of the role's responsibilities
• Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with Affinity Group's tenured top sales and culinary talent

ATS Keywords: Key Account Specialist, Food Broker, Sales Strategy, Relationship Building, Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Strategic Planning, Product Knowledge, Training and Education, Organizational Skills, Teamwork, Customer Service, CRM System, Field Sales, Market Analysis, Product Demonstration, Event Participation, Trust Building

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for the Key Account Specialist role at Affinity Group is designed to assess the candidate's sales experience, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization's collaborative environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM system (likely Salesforce or similar)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for the Key Account Specialist role at Affinity Group are standard for the sales and customer relationship management industries.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Expertise
• Resourcefulness
• Customer-centricity
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Results-driven
• Adaptable
• Customer-focused
• Proactive

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you enjoy working in a collaborative environment and sharing your strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit clients, customers, and the organization?
• Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and customers, and adapting your communication style to meet their needs?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in sales, with a strong focus on customer relationship management and strategic planning?

ASSUMPTION: Affinity Group's collaborative work environment and focus on sharing strengths, expertise, and resources make it an attractive place to work for individuals who enjoy working in a team and contributing to the success of the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require overnight travel within the territory, which can be challenging for individuals with family or other commitments
• The role may require working evenings and weekends to accommodate the demands of the position, which can be challenging for individuals with limited flexibility in their schedule
• The foodservice industry can be competitive and challenging, requiring the Key Account Specialist to be proactive and adaptable in their approach to sales and customer relationship management
• The role may require the Key Account Specialist to work with a diverse range of clients and customers, which can be challenging for individuals who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with the Key Account Specialist role at Affinity Group are outweighed by the opportunities for career growth and development in the foodservice industry.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Key Account Specialist roles in the foodservice industry, this role may offer more opportunities for growth and development, as Affinity Group is a mid-sized company with a collaborative work environment
• Compared to other sales roles in the foodservice industry, this role may offer more opportunities for customer relationship management and strategic planning, as the Key Account Specialist is responsible for building and maintaining close relationships with key personnel in assigned accounts
• Compared to other roles in the foodservice industry, this role may offer more opportunities for career path progression, as Affinity Group's collaborative environment provides opportunities for employees to learn from and work with tenured top sales and culinary talent

ASSUMPTION: The Key Account Specialist role at Affinity Group offers unique opportunities for career growth and development in the foodservice industry, with a focus on customer relationship management, strategic planning, and collaboration.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a customized sales strategy for a new client in the foodservice industry
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key personnel in assigned accounts, including Food Service Directors and Chefs
• Providing continuous product knowledge and training to clients, including product demonstrations and menu combinations

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of projects that a Key Account Specialist at Affinity Group may be responsible for, but the specific projects may vary depending on the client and the needs of the account.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Affinity Group support the growth and development of its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the foodservice industry, and how does Affinity Group differentiate itself from competitors?
• How does Affinity Group measure the success of its Key Account Specialists, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
• What opportunities are there for career growth and development within Affinity Group, and specifically within the sales department?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview for the Key Account Specialist role at Affinity Group are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role's responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for career growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://affinitygroup.applytojob.com/apply/OH8deB2eZs/Key-Account-Specialist-Food-Broker
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills, including any experience with the foodservice industry and your understanding of the role's responsibilities
• Prepare for your interview by researching Affinity Group's company culture and values, as well as the foodservice industry and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the company
• If selected for a final interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with building and maintaining strong relationships with key personnel in assigned accounts, as well as your ability to provide continuous product knowledge and training to clients
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the position and to ask any remaining questions you may have

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.