The Senior Inside Sales Representative will be responsible for handling produce and/or non-produce for large volume sales accounts by identifying market levels, anticipating customer needs, managing sales margins, entering customer orders and expanding new customer base, while providing superior customer service. This individual will also negotiate for sales on products against multiple competitors.
- Ability to conceptualize markets and anticipate changes.
- Ability to close sales.
- Capable of thriving in a driven sales team environment.
- Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; a team player.
- Ability to be comfortable in a highly open, dynamic and collaborative work environment.
- Reliable and highly motivated team player.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task with ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.
- Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines while accomplishing team objectives.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
- Proven customer service standards of excellence and related philosophy.
- Proactive with excellent follow-through.
- Strong interpersonal, telephone/oral and written communication skills.
- Able to resolve issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook; competent to learn and adapt to new computer applications, system upgrades and other technology as necessary.
- Negotiate for sales on products against multiple competitors.
- Responsible for meeting or exceeding established targets for sales and gross margin with assigned customer list.
- Provide strategies and creative solutions for assigned accounts.
- Assist Sales/Business Manager in working with division Sales Team to control gross profit margin, customer credit; monitor credit and payment histories for each customer.
- Maintain existing customers and revenue; develop and grow customer business, partnerships and relationships. Identify, qualify and make phone solicitations of potential new customers.
- Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with key players (key AO departments and colleagues, UNFI, etc.) to achieve short- and long-term sales goals and customer satisfaction.
- Provide Sales/Division Manager with feedback from customers on Sales Team effectiveness.
- Monitor market prices for commodities.
- Plan customer purchases.
- Accept/enter customer phone orders; ensure orders are recorded accurately.
- Visit customer accounts as necessary to enhance relationships, business and to resolve customer problems.
- Ensure customers receive timely and accurate information on product availability, quality and price.
- Suggest substitutions to customers for items ordered that are unavailable or otherwise unacceptable; encourage customers to purchase maximum possible amount of product conducive to their business.
- Respond to customer phone inquiries and assist with customer problems, complaints and requests for resolution or forwarded to an appropriate individual(s).
- Assist with expo follow-ups, seminars, mass mailings, and call campaigns as necessary.
- Process and control credit requests per Company policy; enter credits into Sales system; monitor history and report results.
- Maintain customer call sheet information in Sales system.
- Coordinate Sales activities with Quality Control, Transportation, Accounting and Purchasing to ensure customer satisfaction on all levels.
- Assist in training and mentoring of new and/or junior staff members.
- Perform duties in accordance with HACCP and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location.
- Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Albert’s Recall Plan.
- Lead and serve as a role model for others in the organization by consistent demonstration of high ethical standards.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.
Education/Certification:
Associates degree or equivalent training and experience.
Experience Required:
3-5 years in a perishable food sales environment required.
Required Knowledge:
Knowledge of the perishable and organic food industry preferred.
Skills/Abilities:
Competent with MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel and Word, and PowerPoint.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting; frequently required to sit; occasionally required to stand; walk;, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell, use hands to finger . Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Some weekend, holiday and/or evening work required. Some travel may be required.
