Our client, a family-owned distributor of food service, paper packaging, and janitorial supplies, is seeking an ambitious and detail-oriented Customer Service / Sales Representative to assist in achieving company revenue goals by delivering excellent customer service to new and existing customers. This is a contract-to-hire position that requires an initial 6-12 months in Customer Service prior to moving to the Inside/Outside Sales Rep position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Penetrate existing accounts, develop new business and minimize lost business to achieve profitable sales growth and special objectives within customer base and/or assigned territory.
• Seek and qualify prospects in accordance with Company account stratification goals.
• Research customer business needs and develop a mix of products and service to meet needs.
• Evaluate market trends and recommend products to customers, based on business needs and goals.
• Be informed of market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided.
• Answer customers questions about products, prices, availability, and product uses. Provide product information and practical training to customer personnel.
• Drive personal vehicle to customer accounts, conventions, company meetings, etc.
• Communicate and collect accounts receivable as necessary, working with the credit department and client; collect all balances due based on approved credit terms.
• Lift/carry laptop and product weighing 1-40 lbs, occasionally up to 75 lbs, to and from car, warehouse, customer locations, etc.
• Participate in company functions, promotions, customer visits. Attend and participate in general sales meetings.
• Review and analyze daily and weekly reports, such as special order requests, and sales/gross profit margin data.
• Perform administrative duties, such as preparing and submitting weekly calendar sheets and daily reports, maintaining sales records, creating and processing pick-up requests, preparing sales quotes and menu suggestions.
• Other duties may be assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• 1 year of foodservice sales, and/or chef/restaurant management experience, and/or related (Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, or Culinary Arts) degree.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with MS Outlook.
• Valid driver's license with a “clean” driving record (including: no single DUI in the last 3 years and no multiple DUIs within the last 7 years).
• Must pass pre-employment testing (Drug Screen, Background Check).
• Ability to read, write, speak English.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.