Location: Boston, MA
Posted Date: Oct 2, 2024

Summary

At La Colombe we believe that being a good coffee partner means more than just offering a great cup of coffee! The Wholesale Team supports the city’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs, cafes, offices and hotels to ensure they execute consistent, high-quality coffee programs. An emerging market sales rep is responsible for growing our footprint in an uncharted area.

The Sales Representative will own the customer experience, assisting clients to implement and maintain a coffee program that meets La Colombe’s standard of excellence. Source, convert, and onboard new clients to meet business targets. Train and educate client staff on a routine basis in line with specialty coffee techniques. Visit clients, providing preventative maintenance and quality control on a regular cadence. Develop ownership of relationships with key hospitality professionals. At La Colombe, no task is too small and the Sales Representative should embody this in all client interactions.

Responsibilities

SALES:

• Work with Market Sales Manager to target high value leads
• Use CRM tools to supervise leads through the sales process and use La Colombe methodology to qualify leads
• Negotiate and implement contracts in line with the equipment lending model
• Build customized proposals to convert qualified leads into new clients and win business
• Collaborate with the Market Sales Manager to develop and implement a strategy to win additional business with key accounts in the market Encouraged to be in the market / at clients 4 to 5 days a week
• Apply outbound sales and relationship building to develop a New Business pipeline

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Deliver the highest degree of customer service at every stage in the customer experience with detailed, reliable, and timely responses
• Communicate in a professional manner with client collaborators at manager, executive, and ownership levels
• Anticipate and proactively take charge of difficult situations finding solutions for clients in line with La Colombe’s resources

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT:

• Train baristas, service staff, and management on brewing techniques, extraction theory, and equipment maintenance
• Host presentations, tastings, and demonstrations for groups of all sizes
• Provide routine quality control and preventative maintenance visits
• Assist technician during installs, recipe setting, calibration, and technical service requests
• Proactively handle accounts on a day-to-day basis
• The aforementioned responsibilities are client facing and in the field

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

• Provide consultation on all aspects of the coffee business; coffee equipment, product choice, layout design, and general business insights
• Communicate and interact effectively with internal departments including client services, technical services, production, marketing, and retail
• Work with the Food Service and National Accounts teams to complete sophisticated deals
• Maintain a flexible schedule allowing for, when needed, periodic travel, weekends, and after-hours work

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:

• Keep up to date on new restaurant and hotel openings both locally and nationally
• Participate in coffee related events including trade shows, throw-downs, seminars, and other after hours events
• Seek out new coffee products, equipment, and industry trends
• Establish relationships with chefs, managers, and hospitality staff to improve the network

Requirements

• 2 - 5 years demonstrated ability in the hospitality, foodservice, or specialty coffee industry
• Consistent track record of success in your professional career
• Positive and professional interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Strong listening skills; ability to be compatible with all levels of internal and external contacts
• Must be a self-starter, a quick learner, and will have the ability to efficiently manage various high-priority responsibilities while keeping management advised
• Ability to work occasional non-traditional hours
• Occasionally assist in lifting, moving, and/or carrying coffee equipment
• Take safety seriously- stay current on changing CDC guidelines
• Ability to travel locally (50 miles) and regionally (100+ miles), (50%, 50%, respectively); for 3 consecutive nights once or twice per month
• Valid driver's license and vehicle
• Preferred qualifications include:
  • Fine dining, specialty coffee, or 4-star hotel experience
  • Experience using sales tools (sSalesforce, Hubspot, etc.)
  • Experience with Microsoft/Google Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or equivalents)
  • Problem-solving, technical competence, and desire to learn
  • Please note candidates must be based in Boston area to be considered for this position

Compensation Range: $64,000.00 - $75,000.00, plus bonus.

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