K-12 Sales Specialist – Michigan

About Affinity Group

Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies in North America. We represent highly recognizable brands in the industry. Our team brings a consultative, localized approach to drive market growth and build meaningful partnerships within the K-12 school nutrition segment

Role Overview

We are seeking a results-driven, relationship-focused K-12 Sales Specialist to expand our market share across Michigan. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our other Sales Team members and the K12 Specialist in Western Michigan to champion our clients' products by partnering directly with school nutrition teams and distributors to increase menu frequency. This is a consultative sales position ideal for someone who is proactive, professional, and passionate about school nutrition and relationship-based selling.

A Typical Week Includes

Strategy & Execution: Schedule and conduct in-person sales appointments with K-12 school districts and distributors. Sampling products and prepared recipes is key!
Pipeline Management: Handle prospecting, lead generation, and track sales activity within our industry leading AI NXT/CRM system to meet trimester sales goals.
Culinary Engagement: Organize and lead taste-testing events and food presentations at district and state levels.
Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Bid Team and Senior Director to analyze school bids and build competitive proposals.
Relationship Building: Serve as a trusted advisor to school nutrition leaders while responding to client inquiries timely.

What We Are Looking For

Experience: 2–5 years in foodservice sales, food brokerage, or school operations preferred.
Core Skills: Proven track record in relationship selling, influencing buyers, and closing deals.
Communication: Exceptional presentation, public speaking, and persuasion capabilities.
Mindset: A creative, growth-oriented professional with a genuine passion for food and menu innovation. Embracing innovation is key to success.

Requirements & Schedule

Travel: Weekly travel across Michigan with occasional regional air travel.
License: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
Schedule: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with flexibility to support customer needs. Expect 10–15 evening/weekend events annually.
Tech Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting tools (Teams/Zoom), and CRM platforms.
Physical Ability: Ability to stand for long periods and safely lift 20–50 lbs during food shows.

Bonus Points

Associate or bachelor’s degree.
Direct experience working with K-12 School Nutrition Programs.
Advanced familiarity with modern sales technology platforms.
Experience with Dietetics and Nutrition

Perks & Benefits

Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus incentives.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan and disability benefits.
Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
Corporate employee discounts.

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

About the company

Affinity Group is a North American food sales and marketing agency that works as a broker to help brands grow in both foodservice and retail channels. It provides sales strategy, culinary support, store-level merchandising and planning, plus category management and consumer-trend insights. The company leverages data and analytics to guide decision-making and deliver real-time results for clients, with divisions for foodservice and retail offering tailored solutions such as menu development, marketing insights, and perishables brokerage. It differentiates itself through its dual-channel focus, a track record of acquisitions to broaden reach (Matrix Sales & Marketing and Jon Morris & Co.), and ongoing data integration and AI enhancements through a partnership with Mascari NXT. Its goal is to drive sales growth and stronger brand performance for client brands across the North American market by turning data and market insights into practical sales and merchandising plans.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Charlotte, North Carolina

Founded

2014

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Twin City Foods named Affinity Group its national foodservice broker in September 2025.
The Mascari NXT deal claims 50% additional operator reach, expanding selling coverage.
Current openings across Canada and U.S. offices signal continued investment and hiring momentum.

What critics are saying

Mascari NXT integration could distract teams and disrupt client service through 2026.
Brokerage margins stay exposed to client churn if brands consolidate spend with larger agencies.
If AI sales tooling disappoints, Affinity Group loses its differentiation against entrenched brokers.

What makes Affinity Group unique

Affinity Group's 2026 Mascari NXT acquisition adds AI-driven sales enablement across channels.
The company spans foodservice and retail fresh food, with culinary and merchandising depth.
Leadership cites 26 agency integrations, signaling acquired-market expertise and operating discipline.

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Benefits

Phone/Internet Stipend

Flexible Work Hours

Company News

PMQ

Feb 4th, 2026

Affinity Group Acquires Mascari NXT as Part of Strategy to Advance Food Industry Sales - PMQ Pizza

Affinity Group, a leading North American sales and marketing agency, today announced the acquisition of Mascari NXT, an AI and data integration company. As a subsidiary of Affinity Group, the company will operate as Mascari NXT, An Affinity Group Company. This acquisition marks a major step in Affinity Group’s long-term strategy to advance food industry […]

Affinity Group

K-12 Sales Specialist - Food Broker

About the job