K-12 Bid Specialist

Affinity Group is one of the fastest-growing food sales and marketing agencies in North America. We drive market demand and penetration for our clients across the food service and retail fresh food verticals through a consultative, relationship-focused approach. Founded in 2014, our diverse team of sales professionals, analysts, and marketers collaborate to innovate how food brokers connect clients with opportunities. We invest in our people — the core of our success — and value those who make things happen.

We are a forward-thinking, people-first organization committed to growth, collaboration, and innovation. At Affinity Group, we don’t wait for opportunities — we create them. We welcome individuals who bring new perspectives, diverse experiences, and a drive to elevate our clients and team alike.

The K-12 Bid Specialist manages, processes, and supports K-12 bid activity end-to-end, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant submissions. Reporting to the Bid Manager, this role plays a vital part in analyzing K12 bids and RFPs, communicating pricing and product information, assisting sales teams, and developing documentation to strengthen proposal quality and competitiveness. This position contributes directly to sales growth and manufacturer success by ensuring data-driven, compliant, and strategically aligned bid submissions across multiple regions.

• Review, analyze, and process K-12 bids and RFPs for accuracy and compliance within deadlines.
• Follow standardized bid principles and K-12 terminology to ensure consistent and accurate submissions.
• Collaborate with the sales team, manufacturers, and distributors to communicate pricing, specifications, and product information.
• Assist with bid coding, matching bid specifications to applicable items in our portfolio.
• Manage commodity reporting and coordinate monthly balance reports for commodity clients.
• Maintain current knowledge of K-12 food service trends and legislative updates to enhance bid alignment.
• Partner with sales teams to gather and analyze bid and competitive data, identify opportunities, and support new business generation.
• Support various production phases of proposals, ensuring formatting, proofing, and quality control for final submissions.
• Monitor proposal compliance and maintain consistent documentation throughout the bid cycle.
• Provide administrative and planning support for K-12 food shows and events.
• Contribute to the completion of team goals in a collaborative environment.

• Strong written and verbal communicator who can adapt across audiences.
• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional accuracy and follow-through.
• Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive in changing circumstances.
• Organized and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and accountable with strong interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience in K-12 food service, bids, proposals, or estimating is strongly preferred.

• High School Diploma or GED required;
  Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in bids, proposals, or K-12 industry roles highly desired.

• Typical work schedule:
  Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
• Office setting with hybrid model to work from home and office.
• Standard office physical demands (sitting for extended periods, repetitive hand motions); standing-desk options available.

• Health & Wellness:
  Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental Coverage:
  Short- and long-term disability options.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan.
• Paid Time Off:
  Vacation, holidays, and personal time.
• Workplace Perks:
  Snacks, coffee, and sample tastings.

• Senior level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Job function:
  Sales and Business Development
• Industries:
  Food & Beverages

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.