Produce Specialist at Sysco Hampton Roads: Grow Your Career in Fresh Produce

Role Overview

As a Produce Specialist at Sysco Hampton Roads, you'll be at the forefront of our fresh produce category, driving sales growth and delivering exceptional value to our customers. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for produce, a knack for sales, and a desire to build lasting relationships. You will be responsible for developing and executing targeted sales strategies, identifying customer needs, and leveraging data analytics to prioritize opportunities. Your expertise will help our customers thrive by providing them with the freshest and highest-quality produce available.

A Day in the Life of a Produce Specialist

Here's what a typical day might look like:

• Morning: Start your day by reviewing sales data and market trends to identify potential opportunities. You'll analyze reports to understand which produce items are in high demand and where you can focus your sales efforts.
• Mid-day: Meet with existing and potential customers to understand their needs and challenges. You'll present them with customized produce solutions that align with their business objectives. This might involve showcasing new products, offering competitive pricing, or providing expert advice on menu planning.
• Afternoon: Collaborate with the sales team to develop and execute targeted sales strategies. You'll track your progress in Salesforce, Sysco's CRM tool, and work together to close deals and achieve sales targets. You might also participate in team meetings to share insights and best practices.
• Evening: Attend industry events or food shows to network with customers and stay up-to-date on the latest produce trends. You'll also spend time building relationships with chefs and other key stakeholders in the culinary community.

Why Hampton Roads, Virginia?

Hampton Roads is a vibrant and growing region with a thriving culinary scene. Located in southeastern Virginia, it offers a diverse range of restaurants, from seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. As a Produce Specialist in Hampton Roads, you'll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of customers and contribute to the region's culinary landscape.

The area boasts a strong sense of community and a high quality of life. With its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and numerous outdoor activities, Hampton Roads is a great place to live and work.

Career Path for a Produce Specialist

Sysco is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for growth and advancement. As a Produce Specialist, you can advance your career in a variety of ways. Here are some potential career paths:

• Senior Produce Specialist: Take on more complex sales responsibilities and mentor junior team members.
• Produce Sales Manager: Lead a team of Produce Specialists and oversee sales performance in a specific region.
• Category Manager: Manage a specific produce category, working with suppliers to ensure quality and availability.
• Sales Director: Oversee all sales activities in a region or business unit.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Produce Specialist at Sysco Hampton Roads is $65,000 to $95,000 per year. This range is based on industry standards and the specific skills and experience required for the role. Sysco also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to purchase Sysco stock at a discounted rate
• Life Insurance: Coverage for you and your dependents
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Resources and programs to support your physical and mental health

Sysco Culture

Sysco is a company that values its employees and is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Here are some key aspects of Sysco's culture:

• Customer Focus: Sysco is dedicated to providing its customers with the best possible service and products.
• Integrity: Sysco operates with the highest ethical standards.
• Teamwork: Sysco employees work together to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: Sysco is constantly seeking new and better ways to serve its customers.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Sysco embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and driven individual with a love for produce and a desire to build a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply for the Produce Specialist position at Sysco Hampton Roads. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Sysco careers website. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Produce Specialist?
   The primary responsibilities include developing and executing sales strategies, identifying customer needs, and providing expert advice on produce selection and menu planning.
2. What qualifications are required for this role?
   A high school diploma or GED is required, along with 3+ years of sales experience in a related field. A bachelor's degree is preferred.
3. What skills are essential for success in this position?
   Key skills include produce knowledge, sales expertise, data analysis, communication, and relationship building.
4. What is the typical career path for a Produce Specialist at Sysco?
   Potential career paths include Senior Produce Specialist, Produce Sales Manager, Category Manager, and Sales Director.
5. What benefits does Sysco offer its employees?
   Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and employee stock purchase plan.
6. What is the company culture like at Sysco?
   Sysco has a customer-focused culture that values integrity, teamwork, innovation, and diversity.
7. How can I apply for the Produce Specialist position at Sysco Hampton Roads?
   You can apply by submitting your resume and cover letter through the Sysco careers website.
8. What is the salary range for this position?
   The estimated salary range is $65,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
9. What is the travel requirement for this role?
   The travel percentage is up to 50%, depending on customer needs and sales opportunities.
10. Does Sysco provide training and development opportunities for its employees?
    Yes, Sysco offers a variety of training and development programs to help its employees grow and advance their careers.