Program Account Coordinator

PROGRAM ACCOUNT COORDINATORReports To:Foodservice Sales Manager at M. J. Kellner Co., Inc.Summary:The Program Account Coordinator is responsible for managing and growing sales within the K-12 segment and other large-scale food service operations (i.e., hospitals), with a focus on competitive bidding processes, compliance with USDA and state regulations, and strategic account management.The territory for this opening is Springfield, IL and surrounding area.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDevelops and submits competitive bids for school foodservice contracts in alignment with district requirements and procurement regulationsDevelops and submits competitive bids for large-scale food service operations (i.e., hospitals)Oversees the execution of programs tailored to specific customer needs and ensures programs align with customer goals and company capabilitiesAnalyzes bid specifications and pricing models to ensure profitability and complianceServes as the primary point of contact for program customers' food service directors and purchasing agentsProvides consultative support on menu planning, product selection, and cost optimizationIdentifies new usiness opportunities within the education sectorAchieves sales targets through strategic account penetration and retentionStays current on USDA guidelines, state nutrition standards, and commodity programsEnsures all bid submissions and product offerings meet regulatory requirementsWorks closely with purchasing, transportation, and customer service to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillmentFacilitates communication to ensure timely delivery and quality servicePrepares reports and analyzes program data to identify trends and improvement opportunitiesCoordinates with marketing to develop school-specific promotions and educational materials, seasonal promotions and custom initiativesKeeps informed of new products, services, and other general information of interest to customersTroubleshoots problems regarding products provided and resolves issues proactivelyProvides timely and accurate information for product knowledge requestsReceives and resolves customer complaintsAttends and participates in all Food Shows, Sales Meetings, Credit Meetings, customer product cuttings, and any other event where members of the Sales team are presentWorks with the accounting department to communicate the company's credit collection process and attends quarterly credit meetingsPerforms other job-related duties and responsibilities as assignedCOMPETENCIESAbility to build and maintain business relationships with customers through trust and consistent serviceCustomer FocusExcellent problem-solving and project management skillsVerbal and written communication proficiencyEthical ConductFlexibilityThorough knowledge of territory, market, and customersSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYThis position has no supervisory responsibilities.WORK ENVIRONMENTThis job operates in a professional office and/or home office environment.This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.This job also operates at customer locations: outdoor, warehouse, restaurant, and kitchen settings.In these settings, it is often difficult to regulate temperature, so extreme heat and cold may be experienced.Extended time driving between customer locations is also expected.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.The employee must occasionally lift or move office or food products and supplies.POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORKThis is a full-time, exempt position.Days and hours of work are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.This position sometimes requires long hours and weekend work.TRAVELTravel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEHigh school diploma or equivalentThree to five years of professional sales experience or food service experienceFamiliarity with government bidding processes and child nutrition programsRecognition of advanced skills in Microsoft Office SuitePREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Nutrition, or related fieldFive years of professional sales experience in food industryADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONSNone required for this position.AAP/EEO STATEMENTM. J. Kellner Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) according to Title 44, Ill.Administrative Code, and Subpart C Section *******.OTHER DUTIESPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.#J-*****-Ljbffr