Equipment Sales Specialist - Aberdeen

Commercial Equipment Sales Specialist

Summary: The Commercial Equipment Sales Specialist is responsible for selling commercial food service equipment and supplies, as well as promoting our design and consultation services. This role involves identifying potential clients, maintaining strong relationships with customers, working with job specifications, aiding in design plans, developing bids and proposals, and staying involved with projects and sales through the implementation of equipment at job sites. This role also includes negotiating contracts, providing samples, and ensuring customer satisfaction. 

Territory: The general territory for this position will include all of North and South Dakota, and the Western half of Minnesota. 

Home Base Location: We are preferably looking for candidates who live within the scope of Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Fargo, or Bismarck.  Will be on the road approximately 50% of the time visiting job sites, and attending meetings, shows, training, and other work related events. 

Position Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with sales teams to assist existing customers within the CWD family, including on-site visits to facilitate sales and educate them on the design process.
• Research and identify new potential clients in the food service industry, with an emphasis on government contracts, schools, and multi-unit accounts not currently serviced by Buller/Sunflower.
• Coordinate sales efforts with marketing, management, accounting, logistics, and installation/service departments.
• Develop and execute warm and cold call plans to grow the customer base. Reach out to potential clients through cold calling, emails, and networking.
• Provide management with ideas for new promotions, products, and strategies to increase profit and sales.
• Collect and process customer orders efficiently.
• Provide customer feedback to management and product development teams.
• Ride with and support the Distribution team with their customers.
• Maintain a positive relationship with Distribution Sales Team

Bid Development:

• Work with customers to understand their objectives and formulate bids that meet their needs at acceptable costs and profit margins.
• Coordinate with internal team members to assist in the bid process.

Project Oversight:

• Manage project activities to ensure they stay on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with CWD transportation teams to stage projects and deliver equipment to job sites as needed.
• Address any issues related to product or delivery and work with the Service Department and our Reps to resolve these issues promptly.
• Coordinate with factory representatives and provide field training for equipment as needed.
• Assist with measurements at job sites and support new construction and remodeling projects by creating functional plans.

Ongoing Responsibilities:

• Stay updated on product knowledge, applications, and industry trends within the restaurant equipment segment.
• Attend SEFA Training Conferences, CWD-designated company sales and training meetings, and trade shows as required.
• Continuously seek process efficiencies and strategies to grow profit margins and sales.
• Ensure that leads from CWD Distribution are properly credited with finder's fees.
• Achieve agreed-upon sales targets and outcomes profit goals.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving history is required.
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Experience with CAD or Rivet for reading drawings, including electrical and mechanical details preferred.
• 2 years of experience with commercial equipment, including installation, maintenance, and operation is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Sales & Negotiation: Strong ability to cold/warm call, close deals, and meet sales goals, specifically in food service and equipment sales.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Relationship Building: Capability to build and maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry professionals.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, Manufacturers, and team members.
• Organization: Proficiency in using Outlook, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, and software to stay organized.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, customer trends, and requirements.
• Industry Insight: Understanding efficient commercial kitchen operations and City/State codes.
• Customer Service: Providing exceptional customer service and support.
• Project Management: Experience managing installation of projects with commercial trades at job sites.
• Learn & Grow: Being able to quickly learn and retain knowledge on features and benefits of equipment being sold.
• Self-Starter: the ability to continue to work and stay motivated to grow in sales with limited supervision

Schedule & Physical Requirements:

• Work Hours: General daytime hours with occasional weekends or evenings for meetings, shows, training, and events.
• Travel: Frequent travel within a designated sales territory, including occasional overnight stays and trips to training conferences.
• Physical Activity: Will generally have sedentary activity that is typical for an office environment, but will do standing and walking for extended periods during site visits and demonstrations. May occasionally need to lift or move equipment/materials weighing up to 50 lbs, but can request help if needed.

Benefits:

• Immediate: Eligible for Paid holidays
• 30 days: Discounted product rates
• 60 days: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance eligibility, 2 PTO days
• 90 days: 401k contribution eligibility
• 180 days: 2 PTO days
• 1 year: 401k match eligibility, 8 PTO days, Company Paid Life & Short-Term Disability

As one of the largest privately-owned food service distributors in the Midwest our family-owned company has a history of building strong relationships. The continued growth of current and new markets allows for the addition of new talent to join our team. We're seeking great people looking for professional and personnel growth and a place to make a difference in people's lives. If you are interested in joining an innovative, supportive, values driven company, we invite you to consider a career with Sunflower Restaurant Supply a division of Cash-Wa Distributing.

Salary : $60,000 - $75,000