Education Specialist

Education Specialist

Supports order and delivery interaction between the education segment customers and Gordon Food Service (GFS). Seeks growth opportunities in existing customers and brings new customers to GFS. Provide business consulting services to strengthen customer relationships and grow profitable sales. Represent GFS products and services for assigned territory and accounts. Manage customer business relationships to include accounts receivable, credits, lost business, growth, deployment of GFS resources, and average order size/profitability. Promote and use e-commerce technology.

Essential Functions:

• Effectively express and service the GFS story.

• Facilitate communication between customers and GFS support departments, including Sales Leadership, Bid, Transportation, Supply Chain, USDA, and Customer Service teams.

• Manage customer business relationships, including credits, retention, growth opportunities, deployment of GFS resources, and average order size/profitability.

• Coordinate the customer contract pricing and update customer order guides utilizing GFS support systems.

• Process new item requests and track progress from submission through delivery.

• Assist the Inside Sales Representative in monitoring daily order flow and order processing

• Coordinate and lead customer meetings to drive positive business results and strengthen partnerships.

• Responsible for managing customer forecasts and inventory levels while communicating usage changes to customers and supply chain teams.

• Monitor at-risk inventory and develop action plans to minimize excess inventory and liquidation.

• Prepare, coordinate, and conduct customer partnership reviews by analyzing sales performance, market basket trends, service levels, forecasting accuracy, and growth opportunities while providing actionable recommendations to support customer satisfaction and business objectives.

• Educate the customer's nutrition services team about special programs, promotions, and new product ideas.

• Oversee the development and distribution of customer-specific reporting.

• Maintain customer market baskets, including item specifications, pricing, and forecasted usage.

• Train customers on GFS tools and online ordering platforms.

• Attend local and national trade shows and industry events to remain current on industry trends and regulations.

• Build and maintain relationships with prospective customers throughout the state to support new business and bid opportunities.

• Review monthly margin reporting and identify opportunities for improvement and issue resolution.

• Maximize account penetration by identifying untapped revenue opportunities within existing customer partnerships.

• Utilize Excel and Google Sheets daily to analyze customer data, monitor trends and sales performance, manage forecasts, and support operational and reporting decisions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Does this look like you?

• Demonstrates proficiency in spreadsheet management and data analysis.

• Remains current on federal regulations relating to child nutrition.

• Exhibits critical thinking to build strategic alliances.

• Plans and executes education events.

• Supports the division's USDA commodity processes and manages entitlement.

• Collaborates with sales and marketing to manage education items.

• Understands procurement methods related to the education segment.

• Collaborates and offers direction to the broker-vendor network.

• Plans effectively to achieve key education segment business metrics.

• Displays a high-level working knowledge of GFS tools and technology.

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.