Key Account Specialist (Food Broker)Columbus, OH

Affinity Group is seeking a sales-driven, business development influencer to be our next Key Account Specialist to spearhead growth in our Ohio market. This is a great opportunity for a passionate professional with an entrepreneurial spirit. This position will be reporting to the Market Sales Manager.Who we're looking for:The right candidate will have a passion for business development and will support sales growth for all assigned clients. Activity includes, but is not limited to prospecting, lead generation, managing the sales pipeline, and influencing restaurant decision-makers from owner, operator, general managers, and culinarians. Creativity and a passion for food is key!Who We Are:
Your Bridge to Success | Why Our People Love Affinity GroupAffinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies, with a national presence throughout North America. We represent some of the most recognizable and well-regarded food brands in the industry. Supported by the corporate sales support team, you’ll be part of a team that drives brand awareness and increases market demand for our clients. Affinity Group brings decades of expertise and a consultative system that is tailored for a localized approach.What You’ll DoA typical week might include the following:

• Strategy and Execution. You’ll be consistently identifying and implementing event/activity plans for your assigned accounts, building awareness of our client's unique value proposition while presenting features and benefits for the lines we represent to drive inquiry generation. You’ll be using your unique ability to influence high-impact partnerships for your market while diving down to 'street level' to execute the daily work via informational virtual presentations, calls, and emails.
• Partner and Influencer. Through a variety of mediums, you will use your passion for serving others to provide exceptional sales presentations with a consultative approach for prospective foodservice restaurant owners, operators, general managers, and culinarians.
• Heart and Hustle. This position will have a local office base with the option to work remote as needed. Working independently, you will leverage your critical thinking skills to support prospective Affinity Group clients through the selling cycle, CRM system, data integrity, and guiding prospects on the right path towards a successful purchasing experience.

• 3-5 years of foodservice sales or foodservice operation experience. Restaurant operations or culinary experience is a plus.
• Clear communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally at all levels. Strong listening and relationship building skills.
• Passion for food and the endless possibilities of how products can be prepared.
• Creativity. Ability to create and recommend food menu combinations in support of the selling cycle.
• Self-motivation and drive to succeed. Must have initiative-taking approach and take ownership of your client relationships.
• Savvy time management. Ability to balance competing priorities while traveling to various locations.

• Associates or bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working with CRM systems.

• The typical work week: Monday through Friday
• During the food trade show season, the position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, with the ability to safely lift case goods (up to 50lbs.).
• Travel (Driving): Position requires daily motor vehicle travel to assigned locations. The candidate must possess an active Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans
• Company provided life insurance, supplemental life insurance, and short/long term disability benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.