Culinary Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Sales, the Culinary Specialist will play a pivotal role in driving business growth and supporting the fruit, vegetable, and dairy segments.

The Culinary Specialist will focus on developing relationships with and providing value-added services to current and potential customers. This position will also be responsible for providing support to the Sales team with product knowledge, guidance and training.

Requirements :

The successful candidate must have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle.

Applicant to reside in Winnipeg

FULL flex benefits program

Company matching RRSP

Family culture

Advancement opportunities

Profit Sharing

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and EFAP Benefits after 30 days of employment

125-year, family-owned and operated company history

Provide relevant business solutions to complement the initiatives of our Sales and Marketing teams, with a goal of increasing the overall market share of Gordon Food Service.

Work with the sales team driving sales with existing customers and identifying new opportunities.

Provide problem analysis and resolution to customers and District Sales Representatives on product-related concerns.

Be up to date with current commodity markets and market trends.

Interface and collaborate with key customers to achieve sales and margin goals.

Execute key customer menu developmental plans for the region.

Work collaboratively with other Product Specialists to provide back-of-house consulting to customers which may include; recipe development, portioning, plate presentation, kitchen layout, development of training programs, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) training.

Provide front of the house consulting to key and prospective customers to include wait staff training, silent shopper evaluations, and menu layout and design.

Ensure consistent and relevant business solutions training for sales teams, in collaboration with other divisional marketing team members.

Participate in planning, coordination, and execution of various events.

Assist in the development of segment business plans. Analyze trend data and incorporate the data to develop business solutions that strengthen the relationship between GFS and key regional customers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Excellent customer service, mentoring, interpersonal and communication skills.

Must be able to develop, refine, communicate, set and define goals, and implement plans.

Strong time management, administration, and organizational skills.

Ability to build relationships, network, influence, and link resources to plan and execute business practices.

Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Develop solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. Ensures solutions are consistent with organization objectives.

Bachelor's degree and Culinary degree - or - 5 years experience in food service operations in a leadership role in lieu of a post-secondary degree.

Proven experience in business development, consulting, or sales within the food industry.

Strong knowledge of fruit, vegetable, and dairy products.

GFSCA