Market Specialist

Job Summary

The Market Specialist provides sales & operational training to new and incumbent Route Sales Representatives ("RSRs"). The Market Specialist also will provide training to new RSRs regarding logistics and distribution tools and processes. The Market Specialist assists the field sales team on internal training and market improvement projects.   Specialized teaching and coaching will be necessary to support product and client initiatives and projects in order to streamline the supply chain process and maximize efficiency. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with company policies and guidelines.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform initial on route new hire training for new Route Sales employees and identify and report skill shortfalls to the Zone Business Manager.
• Consistently meet or exceed performance and sales goals on each training route
• Identify and generate additional revenue opportunities through the identification and presentation of additional training and other project opportunities to management
• Assist employees with problems concerning "how to" perform specific tasks related to their position.  Monitor and evaluate methods used by employees to make on the spot corrections
• Test new employee training procedures, measure progress and evaluate effectiveness.
• Evaluate and report on progress of employees during training to Zone leadership team.
• Evaluate, recommend and implement actions necessary to minimize risk to Lance (i.e. excess inventory protection, truck condition (mechanical/safety, etc.) 
• Make suggestions on improving work procedures in the field.
• Confer with management, supervisors and employees to gain knowledge of work situations requiring training and to better understand changes in policies, procedures, regulations, business initiatives and technologies.
• Solicit and assess customer feedback, and modify training to respond to customer needs.
• Maintain new hire training records, and documentation.
• May perform other duties as required.

Other Job Duties

• Participate in team meetings, presentations, idea sharing, brainstorming and other internal team events
• Works with Zone Sales Leader, Area Sales Leader and RSR with operational duties as needed
• Works with Zone Sales Leader, Area Sales Leader and RSRs to develop new ideas and initiatives targeted to develop and support field sales
• Support special projects, initiatives, and efficiencies through work-withs, performance reviews, and project team communication and additional spot training.
• Responsible for fleet and inventory assets in their control while assessing open or vacation routes. 
• Represent Lance on store re-sets if needed and identify and sell  additional space for Lance products when possible 
• Assessing open or vacation routes for the purpose of evaluating  and improving the condition of routes, recommend and make adjustments necessary to maintain the integrity of the route (e.g., sales plan, stales plan, customer service standards, promotion execution and all operational standards)

Scope of Responsibility   

• Works independently
• New Hire Basic Training

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and with minimum supervision. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Interpersonal Skills

·         Ability to identify training needs, implement training solutions and evaluate results

·         The ability to establish a process for activities that lead to the implementation of systems, procedures or outcomes.

·         Answerable for personal actions

·         Promotes a safe work environment

• Must adapt well to change and have the ability to handle stress
• Must maintain a professional image at work & in the trade

·         Meets commitments

• Strong people skills needed to work with different areas and levels of the organization

Problem Solving Skills

·         Ability to apply common sense understanding and problem solving skills

Communication Skills

·         Ability to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. 

·         Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. 

·         Ability to write simple correspondence. 

·         Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers,  and other employees of the organization.

Analytical Skills

·         Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 

·         Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent

Computer Skills

·         Basic computer use

·         Hand Held Computer and Printer

Leadership Skills

·         The ability to treat others fairly, regardless of personal biases or beliefs.

·         The ability to contribute to the growth and development of others.

Selling Skills

·         Ability to demonstrate proven sales skills through influencing others

·         The ability to personally affect others’ actions, decisions, opinions or thinking.

Education and Experience (Minimum and preferred educational requirements, years of experience needed to successfully perform the job)

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; one to three years related experience and / or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job)

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, fingers and arms to grasp and reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while successfully perform the essential functions of the job)

• Field sales environment work from Step Van.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel Required

•  Must be available to travel 40% - 80% of the time
• Some Saturday work.