Culinary Specialist at Sysco Minnesota: A Recipe for Career Success

Are you a passionate culinary professional with a knack for sales and a drive to elevate the dining experiences of others? Sysco Minnesota is seeking a talented Culinary Specialist to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. This multifaceted role combines culinary expertise with sales acumen, making it an ideal opportunity for individuals who thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Role Overview

As a Culinary Specialist at Sysco Minnesota, you will be responsible for growing new business by showcasing your culinary expertise and promoting Sysco's extensive range of products and services. You will work closely with sales teams to understand customer needs, develop customized solutions, and ultimately drive case growth. This position requires a blend of culinary creativity, sales prowess, and strong communication skills.

The Culinary Specialist will also serve as a brand ambassador for Sysco, representing the company at culinary events, trade shows, and other industry gatherings. You will be responsible for managing the test kitchen, ensuring it is a clean, organized, and functional space for culinary demonstrations and product showcases.

A Day in the Life of a Culinary Specialist

No two days are the same for a Culinary Specialist at Sysco Minnesota. Your day might involve:

• Collaborating with sales teams to identify customer needs and develop tailored culinary solutions.
• Conducting culinary demonstrations and product showcases for customers and prospects.
• Creating innovative recipes and menu concepts using Sysco products.
• Providing expert advice on product specifications and usage.
• Managing the test kitchen, ensuring it is clean, organized, and well-stocked.
• Representing Sysco at culinary events and trade shows.
• Analyzing market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities.
• Tracking sales activities and results using Salesforce.

Why Minneapolis, Minnesota?

Minneapolis is a vibrant city with a thriving culinary scene, making it an ideal location for a Culinary Specialist. The city boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from upscale dining establishments to casual eateries, providing ample opportunities to showcase Sysco's products and services. Minneapolis is also home to a number of culinary schools and organizations, offering opportunities for professional development and networking.

Beyond its culinary scene, Minneapolis offers a high quality of life with its affordable housing, excellent schools, and numerous outdoor activities. The city is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Career Path for a Culinary Specialist

Sysco is committed to providing employees with opportunities for growth and advancement. A Culinary Specialist can advance their career within Sysco through various paths, including:

• Senior Culinary Specialist: Taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior culinary specialists.
• Category Manager: Focusing on the procurement and management of specific product categories.
• Sales Manager: Leading a team of sales representatives and driving business growth.
• Director of Business Resources: Overseeing the culinary and sales support functions for a region.

Salary and Benefits

Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The salary range for a Culinary Specialist at Sysco Minnesota is estimated between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Sysco provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Retirement savings plan (401k) with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA)
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee discounts on Sysco products and services

Sysco Culture

Sysco is a company that values its employees and fosters a culture of teamwork, innovation, and customer service. The company is committed to providing a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

Sysco also places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and social responsibility. The company is committed to operating its business in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate culinary professional with a knack for sales and a desire to work for a leading foodservice company, we encourage you to apply for the Culinary Specialist position at Sysco Minnesota. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Sysco careers website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Culinary Specialist at Sysco?
   The Culinary Specialist is responsible for growing new business, enhancing customer satisfaction, conducting culinary demonstrations, providing expert advice on product specifications, and managing the test kitchen.
2. What qualifications are required for this position?
   The ideal candidate will have a culinary certification or equivalent experience, strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, excellent customer service skills, and proficiency in using CRM software.
3. What is the salary range for a Culinary Specialist at Sysco Minnesota?
   The salary range is estimated between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
4. What benefits does Sysco offer to its employees?
   Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plan, employee stock purchase plan, and professional development opportunities.
5. What is the career path for a Culinary Specialist at Sysco?
   A Culinary Specialist can advance their career within Sysco through various paths, including Senior Culinary Specialist, Category Manager, Sales Manager, and Director of Business Resources.
6. What is the work environment like at Sysco?
   Sysco fosters a culture of teamwork, innovation, and customer service. The company is committed to providing a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive.
7. Is travel required for this position?
   Yes, up to 25% travel may be required for this position.
8. What software is used for sales tracking and customer relationship management?
   Sysco uses Salesforce (Sysco’s CRM tool) for sales tracking and customer relationship management.
9. What is the primary focus of the Culinary Specialist role?
   The primary focus is on driving sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction by leveraging culinary expertise and promoting Sysco's products and services.
10. How does the Culinary Specialist contribute to the team selling model?
    The Culinary Specialist acts as an ambassador for Sysco brand, innovation, and Category Management (CatMan) products, leveraging all opportunities to close the sale with customers and supporting the sales team with product knowledge and culinary expertise.