Sales Consultant (Food Service Experience) at Fortune International, LLC – Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Sales Consultant (SC) plays a vital role in the Fortune Fish & Gourmet sales division by building strong, profitable customer relationships through tailored solutions and exceptional service. Collaborating with chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, and retailers, the SC drives revenue and gross profit through strategic customer alignment and expert product promotion with professionalism and culinary passion.

The SC fosters partnerships by recommending an optimized product mix, delivering outstanding customer service, and resolving service issues diplomatically in coordination with product, logistics, and finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales Development and Customer Relationships

• Cultivate new business opportunities through networking, consultative sales approaches, and a deep understanding of customer needs.
• Manage and expand existing accounts by building trust and providing creative, customized product solutions.
• Collaborate with chefs, restaurant owners, and other stakeholders to exceed their expectations, understanding their unique requirements and business goals.

Product Expertise and Market Knowledge

• Represent and promote premium seafood, humanely raised meat, poultry, game, and gourmet products (cheese, chocolate, etc.).
• Stay abreast of industry trends, customer preferences, and market dynamics to provide informed recommendations and drive sales.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with Product, Category, Purchasing and Operations teams to align inventory levels with customer demands, ensuring timely deliveries.
• Coordinate with the Accounting team to establish credit terms and ensure all required documentation is accurately filed.

Sales Strategy, Organization and Administration

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to meet and exceed performance targets.
• Organize and prioritize daily activities to ensure timely follow-ups, product delivery coordination, and issue resolution.
• Prepare compelling proposals, maintain detailed sales records, and report progress against goals.
• Utilize internal customer management systems, social media platforms, and trade directories to research and identify prospects.

Customer Engagement and Problem-Solving

• Act as a trusted consultant to clients, address inquiries and resolving issues with urgency and precision.
• Conduct follow-ups to ensure customer satisfaction and establish long-term partnerships.

Team Collaboration and Pricing Strategy

• Work closely with senior staff and Sales Director to develop competitive pricing strategies tailored to customer needs.
• Contribute to a team of passionate professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, teamwork, and shared success.

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:

• 2+ years of outside sales experience in perishable food products; seafood experience is highly preferred.
• 2–5 years of professional sales in the foodservice industry, or 5–7 years in chef/restaurant management.

Education:

• Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Culinary Arts preferred, or 3+ years of relevant industry experience.

Skills:

• Advanced English verbal communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn company products, systems, and operations.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Presentation Software, Social Media Platforms

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated, personable, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Open to change and quick to adopt new technologies and processes.
• Self-starter with a history of success in managing time and priorities effectively.
• Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and resourceful while maintaining professionalism.