Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)

🔹 Company: Affinity Group

🔹 Location: Kennebunk, Maine

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Food & Beverages

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (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 Food Service Directors and Chefs
• Ensuring client product knowledge and training
• Managing sales sample order processes and troubleshooting product complaints
• Collaborating with the sales force and attending industry events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of customer interaction and strategic planning to drive sales growth within assigned accounts.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintains and develops a portfolio of priority and assigned accounts through in-person field and sales calls

✅ Stays up-to-date and knowledgeable about the operators in their account segment and acts as a resource and solution provider for their customers

✅ Fosters continuous development and growth of priority operator accounts

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

✅ Ensures continuous client product knowledge and training

✅ Manages sales sample order process and troubleshoots product complaints

✅ Maintains competitive pricing and new/discontinued item information

✅ Attends and provides support at manufacturer/distributor training events

✅ Works closely with the entire sales force and openly discusses go-to-market strategies, competitive reconnaissance, successes, and challenges

✅ Understands each of the following for their strategic accounts: menu rotations, population and trends, desired cost structure in each segment of the menu, opportunities to penetrate or convert items, training and education of products, and multiple uses for products

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

✅ Participates in visits to key strategic accounts and has a prepared itinerary a week in advance

✅ Is 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 level of organization, communication, and culinary skills to effectively manage client relationships and drive sales growth.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience

Required Skills:

• Ability to execute and follow through a sales plan
• Positive, professional, and proactive attitude
• Strong communication skills
• Adept at building trust and credibility
• Planning and organizational skills
• Works well with teams and has strong motivational skills
• Strong problem-solving and strategic planning skills
• Using the CRM System daily
• Call Reporting in CRM System
• Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred Skills:

• Culinary background or experience
• Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: A background in foodservice or culinary arts would be beneficial but not required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Key Account Specialist in the Food & Beverage industry with 2-5 years of experience in the Northeast region)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on Affinity Group products
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours to accommodate demands of the position, including some weekends and up to 80% weekly travel within territory

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Affinity Group operates in the Food & Beverages industry, focusing on the foodservice and retail fresh food channels.

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

Founded: Affinity Group was founded in 2014 and has since grown to operate in multiple locations across 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 its strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit clients, customers, and the organization
• Affinity Group focuses on the foodservice and retail fresh food channels, helping its customers and clients 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: affinitysales.com

ASSUMPTION: Affinity Group's collaborative environment and focus on customer success make it an attractive place to work for individuals looking to grow their careers in the foodservice and retail fresh food channels.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an intermediate-level position, requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience in the field.

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

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexible hours to accommodate demands of the position, including some weekends and up to 80% weekly travel within territory.

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven performers may have the opportunity to advance to a Market Manager or other leadership roles within the organization
• Affinity Group offers professional development opportunities to help employees grow their skills and careers

ASSUMPTION: This role provides ample opportunities for growth and development within the organization for high-performing individuals.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Affinity Group's office in Kennebunk, Maine, is a professional and collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): Affinity Group has multiple locations across the United States and Canada, with the Kennebunk office serving the Northeast region.

Geographic Context:

• Kennebunk is a small town in Maine with a population of approximately 10,000 people
• The area is known for its scenic coastline, outdoor recreation, and historic sites
• Maine is known for its robust food and beverage industry, with a strong focus on local and sustainable products

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours to accommodate demands of the position, including some weekends and up to 80% weekly travel within territory.

ASSUMPTION: The Kennebunk office provides a professional and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or video interview with the Market Manager and other team members
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales strategy and execution
• Customer relationship management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and strategic planning
• Culinary skills and product knowledge

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your sales strategy and execution, customer relationship management, and problem-solving skills in detail
• Showcase your culinary skills and product knowledge through examples and anecdotes
• Research Affinity Group and the foodservice industry to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Sales Strategy, Customer Relationship Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Strategic Planning, Teamwork, Organizational Skills, Product Knowledge, Training, Field Sales, Networking, Cooking, Market Analysis, Client Support, Event Participation, Trust Building

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's sales strategy and execution, customer relationship management, communication, problem-solving, and culinary skills, as well as their cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

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

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in using a CRM system and other common sales and productivity tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Customer-centricity
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Customer-focused and results-driven
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• detail-oriented and organized

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you build and maintain strong relationships with clients, and how do you ensure their product knowledge and training?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you handle it?
• How do you prioritize and manage your time and tasks to ensure you meet your sales targets and maintain strong client relationships?

ASSUMPTION: Affinity Group values candidates who are collaborative, customer-centric, innovative, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• High travel requirements (up to 80% weekly travel within territory)
• Flexible work hours, including some weekends
• Managing multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously
• Dealing with product complaints and troubleshooting issues
• Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and competitor activities

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to travel, work-life balance, and managing multiple priorities, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional sales roles, this position focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, rather than cold calling or prospecting
• This role requires a high level of culinary skills and product knowledge, as well as the ability to cook food products and put menu combinations together
• Career path for this role may lead to Market Manager or other leadership positions within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on client relationships and culinary skills, providing a distinct career path within the foodservice industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a customized sales strategy for a new client, including menu rotations, product knowledge, and training sessions
• Managing a product launch event, including coordinating with vendors, setting up displays, and demonstrating products to clients
• Conducting a market analysis to identify trends and opportunities within a specific territory, and developing a targeted sales strategy to capitalize on those insights

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse responsibilities and skills required for this role, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, customer relationship management, and culinary skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the typical career path for a successful Key Account Specialist within the organization?
• How does the company measure the success of its Key Account Specialists, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the company culture, and the expectations for success in this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching Affinity Group and the foodservice industry, and practicing your sales strategy and execution, customer relationship management, and problem-solving skills
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after your interview to inquire about the status of your application
• If selected for the position, be prepared to provide references and complete a background check

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