## Sales Representative - Columbia, SC: Drive Your Career with FreshPoint & Sysco Are you a dynamic sales professional, experienced restaurant manager, culinary expert, or chef looking for an exciting career with ample growth opportunities? Join FreshPoint, a division of Sysco, as a Sales Representative in Columbia, South Carolina, and become part of a world-class sales team. In this role, you will play a vital part in promoting our high-quality products and services, building strong relationships with new and existing accounts, and helping FreshPoint customers thrive. **Role Overview:** As a Sales Representative, you will be responsible for driving sales growth within your assigned territory by developing new business, penetrating existing accounts, and minimizing lost business. You'll need to be a proactive and results-oriented individual who can research customer needs, provide tailored solutions, and build long-lasting relationships. **A Day in the Life:** Your day will be dynamic and varied, involving a mix of prospecting, customer meetings, product demonstrations, and administrative tasks. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect: * **Morning:** Plan your day, review sales targets, and prioritize customer visits. Research potential new clients and prepare customized presentations. * **Mid-day:** Visit existing and prospective customers, present product offerings, and address their specific needs and concerns. Provide product training to customer personnel. * **Afternoon:** Follow up on customer inquiries, prepare sales proposals, and negotiate contracts. Collaborate with internal teams, such as the credit department, to resolve any issues. * **Evening (occasional):** Attend industry events and networking opportunities to build relationships and stay informed about market trends. **Why Columbia, South Carolina?** Columbia is the vibrant capital city of South Carolina, offering a blend of Southern charm, historical significance, and modern amenities. This bustling city boasts a diverse culinary scene, creating a fertile ground for sales opportunities within the food service industry. Here are a few reasons why Columbia is a great place to live and work: * **Growing Economy:** Columbia's economy is steadily growing, creating new opportunities for businesses and professionals alike. * **Culinary Hotspot:** The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors, offering a diverse customer base for FreshPoint's products. * **Affordable Living:** Compared to other major cities, Columbia offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive place to settle down. * **Rich Culture and History:** Columbia boasts a rich history and vibrant arts scene, offering a variety of cultural attractions and entertainment options. * **Outdoor Recreation:** With its mild climate and abundant parks and green spaces, Columbia provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. **Career Path:** FreshPoint and Sysco are committed to fostering employee growth and development. As a Sales Representative, you'll have access to a comprehensive training program and ongoing support to enhance your skills and advance your career. Potential career paths include: * **Senior Sales Representative:** Lead and mentor other sales representatives, manage larger accounts, and develop strategic sales plans. * **Sales Manager:** Oversee a team of sales representatives, set sales targets, and provide guidance and support to achieve team goals. * **District Sales Manager:** Manage sales operations within a specific geographic area, develop and implement sales strategies, and oversee key accounts. * **National Account Manager:** Manage relationships with large, national accounts, negotiate contracts, and ensure customer satisfaction. **Salary & Benefits:** Sysco and FreshPoint offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. While the exact salary will depend on your experience and qualifications, you can expect a competitive base salary with bonus and promotional incentive opportunities. We estimate that the salary range for this role is between $60,000 and $90,000 per year. Additional benefits include: * Mileage reimbursement and company-provided cell phone * Career pathing opportunities for both entry-level and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven organization that supports communities and associates * Specialized sales training programs to enhance skills and knowledge * Individual and team-based selling environments * Opportunity to learn about different ethnic segments within the food service industry * Monthly and annual sales rewards and recognition programs * Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance * Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for long-term financial growth * 401(k) retirement plan with automatic matching contributions * Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, holidays, and personal days * Life insurance and disability coverage for added security * Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support and resources **Sysco Culture:** At Sysco and FreshPoint, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees can learn, grow, and make a difference. **How to Apply:** If you are a motivated and results-oriented sales professional with a passion for the food service industry, we encourage you to apply for the Sales Representative position in Columbia, South Carolina. 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 primary responsibilities of a Sales Representative?** The primary responsibilities include developing new business, penetrating existing accounts, researching customer needs, providing tailored solutions, and building strong customer relationships. 2. **What qualifications are required for this position?** Qualifications include a proven track record in sales, strong understanding of sales principles, excellent communication skills, ability to build relationships, and proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite. 3. **What is the salary range for this role?** We estimate that the salary range for this role is between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. 4. **What benefits does Sysco offer?** Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and more. 5. **What is the career path for a Sales Representative?** Potential career paths include Senior Sales Representative, Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and National Account Manager. 6. **What is the work environment like at Sysco?** Sysco fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees can learn, grow, and make a difference. 7. **Is travel required for this position?** Yes, this position requires travel within the assigned territory (up to 25%). 8. **What type of training is provided for Sales Representatives?** Sysco provides specialized sales training programs to enhance skills and knowledge. 9. **What is the company culture like at Sysco and FreshPoint?** Sysco and FreshPoint are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. 10. **How do I apply for this position?** To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Sysco careers website. This comprehensive overview provides potential candidates with a clear understanding of the Sales Representative role, the benefits of working for FreshPoint and Sysco, and the exciting opportunities that await in Columbia, South Carolina.