Note: This position is in Grand Junction serving the greater area.

PRODUCE SALES SPECIALIST

Your opportunity awaits at Associated Food Stores. If you want to work for a growing company with over 80 years of success, join our award-winning team! The AFS Corporate Headquarters, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, boasts numerous career opportunities in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry. Team members enjoy great benefits like tuition reimbursement, health insurance, 401(k) matching, employee discounts, and paid time off. Be part of a company that truly cares about your personal growth and giving back to the community through meaningful service and charitable giving.

JOB SUMMARY

The Produce Sales Specialist will work with the Member Retail Owned Produce Department, AFS programs and policies with retail members on proper functions, proper government regulations, and new ideas in merchandising, new cases and product; to become the most successful produce department in their town.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support retail Produce Department Managers and the produce Team. Problem solve for retailers, help train produce department, merchandise, grow sales as well as profitability. Build and maintain excellent relationships with AFS Retail Member stores and with all AFS team members.
• Travel to Retail Member stores to direct, influence and help increase sales. Help member stores to become more successful and profitable. (Travel is required often with occasional overnight stays).
• Input plans and conduct produce ad meetings. Be a voice for our retailers on produce items that they want in their ads. Be on top of industry trends and changes; educate Retail Service team and AFS member stores of such trends and changes.
• Special projects: coordinate with Procurement Produce Department on annual Food Show, annual produce seminars, facilitate store events. Attend AFS meetings as the Produce Retail Service voice for retailers and team members.
• Report, plan and calendaring – responsible for keeping Produce team on budget for annual travel expenses and increasing sales. Budget sales for each MRO store by produce specialist including yourself.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

PRODUCE SALES SPECIALIST POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience in related field required
• Food Safety Handlers Permit required
• Food Safety Manager Certificate required
• 2 years or more work experience in related field preferred.
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills. Must be a self-starter and motivator for the Produce Specialist Team. Able to work independently and in a group setting. Public Speaking, verbal skills, computer skills, and exceptional follow-through are essential. Knowledge of all levels of produce operations, and regulations are required.
• Interprets, applies broad discretion and may serve as technical authority in application of methods. Administrative direction where assignments are based on broadly defined functional objectives and directly accountable for results.
• Supervises a department or group of diversified functions where duties involve establishing procedures and performance standards. Activities impact the direction of more than one department. Requires continuous contact with internal groups and outside community groups to represent the company.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS

Work is performed in an office, retail store, and travel environment. Prolonged sitting, walking, standing, and driving are all required in this position.

Associated Food Stores is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.