Strategic Sales Manager - Education

DESCRIPTION OF EMPLOYER: Founded in 1901, Feeser’s, Inc. is a family owned and operated full-line foodservice distributor located in Harrisburg, PA servicing the Mid-Atlantic region.  Feeser’s provides an expansive offering of dry, refrigerated, and frozen products to a diverse customer base comprised of restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, and other institutions.  

SUMMARY:   The Strategic Sales Manager – Education will lead the management and expansion of the Education segment focusing on revenue and key account growth.  This individual will maintain a continuous pipeline of potential customers, possess a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of educational institutions (K-12, Colleges and Daycare Facilities), stay up to date with National School Lunch Program regulations and work with manufacturers and brokers to evaluate product lines.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and expand market share by leading the sales process from lead generation to proposal development, negotiation, and final contract execution. 

• Conduct market research to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and gaps in the marketplace to develop targeted initiatives and marketing to enable the company to be seen as a solution provider. 

• Track prospects and sales progress, providing senior leadership with regular updates on pipeline health and revenue forecasts. 

• Imbed data and analytics within each area of responsibilities to drive informed decisions and report on performance. 

• Build and maintain Customer partnerships throughout customers at multiple levels to gain new market share, improve gross profit and go-to-market strategies 

• Work with senior management in developing and executing plans, establishing direction and evaluating company performance. Participate in the strategic planning process of the company. 

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to build brand awareness, create partnerships, and identify new business opportunities. 

• Ensure collaboration between the marketing, sales, and purchasing departments to develop and execute integrated purchasing, marketing, and sales campaigns that promote our products and services, enhance brand awareness, and generate qualified leads.  

• Stay current with National School Lunch Program regulations to anticipate and meet customer needs  

• Work with manufacturers and brokers to assess and evaluate product lines that increase sales and in compliance with National School Lunch Program guidelines  

• Monitor and evaluate sales training programs, assess results and recommend enhancements as needed to ensure effectiveness of programs and delivery of revenue and profit objectives. 

• Provide as needed technical assistance for food service directors with online ordering systems, commodity forecasting and recipient agency NOI utilization  

SKILLS REQUIRED:  

• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.  

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.  

• A results-oriented mindset focused on driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.  

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing business needs.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software; experience with ERP systems is a plus.  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:   

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field (preferred) 

• 7+ years’ sales experience in leadership role with increasing responsibility (required) 

• Food service experience (preferred) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.  

• Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift equipment up to 100 pounds.  

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.  

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.  

• Communicating with others to exchange information. 

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.  

• Must possess visual acuity, i.e., close, distance, and color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust.    

• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.  

• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.