Product Specialist - Fruits, Vegetables & Dairy Specialty

at  Gordon Food Service

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. Here’s a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There’s a seat at our table for you…
Executes strategic category plans to achieve volume and profit targets in support of segmented customer and brand marketing plans as defined by the division. This Product Specialist will be focused on Fruit, Vegetable, and Dairy initiatives.
Note: The successful candidate should reside within commutable distance to the Milton Distribution Center. As the role will support Milton and Ajax divisions and all territories, this position requires approximately 75% travel with overnight stays as needed.

What We Offer:

• FULL flex benefits program
• Company matching RRSP
• Family culture
• Advancement opportunities
• Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and EFAP Benefits after 30 days of employment
• 125-year, family-owned and operated company history

Essential Functions:

• Interfaces and collaborates with internal and external customers, brokers, and vendors to achieve sales and margin goals.
• Provides consultative selling services on product category with District Sales Representatives(DSRs) and customers as requested to achieve category goals.
• Analyzes relevant reports to understand the sales Market or Region key performance indicators and category impact and resources that drive effective decision-making.
• Develops action plans to achieve category goals for the assigned Market, Region or Division.
• Develops and utilizes training modules to plan and execute sales product training.
• Analyzes sales reports, market trends and forecasts to identify segments and account targets. Identifies and presents product and produces trend information to internal and external customers.
• Develops relationships with key customers to provide product expertise and product marketing trends.
• Participates in food shows, and other related shows and activities, presenting product information in support of strategic plans.
• Attends and contributes to meetings and activities as requested in support of identified needs and Market, Region or Division meetings as appropriate.
• Provides input into the creation, measurement, and execution of the marketing and management of product-related expenses and resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Develops solutions to a variety of complex problems.
• Knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, email and internet software applications;
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication recourse, and time management skills.
• Strong presentation skills
• Must be able to read, interpret, and execute plans and instructions.
• Must have detailed knowledge of product and market trends and the link to business goals.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with a variety of teams and individuals
• Must be able to prioritize, schedule, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Observe legal and safety procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Business, sales or Marketing preferred, or equivalent experience
• Experience in food services sales as well as experience with Sales and Negotiation principles and procedures

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Gordon Food Service is an equal opportunity employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to any enumerated or analogous grounds of discrimination, including race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified individual with disability.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talentcanada@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line

• Interfaces and collaborates with internal and external customers, brokers, and vendors to achieve sales and margin goals.
• Provides consultative selling services on product category with District Sales Representatives(DSRs) and customers as requested to achieve category goals.
• Analyzes relevant reports to understand the sales Market or Region key performance indicators and category impact and resources that drive effective decision-making.
• Develops action plans to achieve category goals for the assigned Market, Region or Division.
• Develops and utilizes training modules to plan and execute sales product training.
• Analyzes sales reports, market trends and forecasts to identify segments and account targets. Identifies and presents product and produces trend information to internal and external customers.
• Develops relationships with key customers to provide product expertise and product marketing trends.
• Participates in food shows, and other related shows and activities, presenting product information in support of strategic plans.
• Attends and contributes to meetings and activities as requested in support of identified needs and Market, Region or Division meetings as appropriate.
• Provides input into the creation, measurement, and execution of the marketing and management of product-related expenses and resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned