What are the responsibilities and job description for the K-12 Sales Specialist (Food Broker) position at Affinity Group?
K-12 Sales Specialist – Michigan
About Affinity Group
Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies in North America. We represent highly recognizable brands in the industry. Our team brings a consultative, localized approach to drive market growth and build meaningful partnerships within the K-12 school nutrition segment
Role Overview
We are seeking a results-driven, relationship-focused K-12 Sales Specialist to expand our market share across Michigan. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our other Sales Team members and the K12 Specialist in Western Michigan to champion our clients' products by partnering directly with school nutrition teams and distributors to increase menu frequency. This is a consultative sales position ideal for someone who is proactive, professional, and passionate about school nutrition and relationship-based selling.
A Typical Week Includes
- Strategy & Execution: Schedule and conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors. Sampling products and prepared recipes is key!
- Pipeline Management: Handle prospecting, lead generation, and track sales activity within our industry leading AI NXT/CRM system to meet trimester sales goals.
- Culinary Engagement: Organize and lead taste-testing events and food presentations at district and state levels.
- Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Bid Team and Senior Director to analyze school bids and build competitive proposals.
- Relationship Building: Serve as a trusted advisor to school nutrition leaders while responding to client inquiries timely.
- Experience: 2–5 years in foodservice sales, food brokerage, or school operations preferred.
- Core Skills: Proven track record in relationship selling, influencing buyers, and closing deals.
- Communication: Exceptional presentation, public speaking, and persuasion capabilities.
- Mindset: A creative, growth-oriented professional with a genuine passion for food and menu innovation. Embracing innovation is key to success.
- Travel: Weekly travel across Michigan with occasional regional air travel.
- License: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Schedule: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with flexibility to support customer needs. Expect 10–15 evening/weekend events annually.
- Tech Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting tools (Teams/Zoom), and CRM platforms.
- Physical Ability: Ability to stand for long periods and safely lift 20–50 lbs during food shows.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Direct experience working with K-12 School Nutrition Programs.
- Advanced familiarity with modern sales technology platforms.
- Experience with Dietetics and Nutrition
- Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus incentives.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan and disability benefits.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
- Corporate employee discounts.
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.