Account Specialist - Produce Remote

Full job description

Purpose:

Supports overall sales growth plan by increasing sales while providing enhanced customer service to customers. Responsible for handling produce and/or non-produce for assigned accounts by anticipating customer needs, managing sales margins, entering customer orders and expanding new customer base.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for meeting or exceeding established targets for sales and gross margin with assigned customer list.

• Provide strategies and creative solutions for assigned accounts.

• Maintain existing customers and revenue; develop and grow customer business, partnerships, and relationships. Identify, qualify, and make phone solicitations of potential new customers.

• Provide Division sales leadership with feedback from customers on Sales Team effectiveness.

• Solicit and process customer orders.

• Visit customer accounts as necessary to enhance relationships, build/develop business and 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 amount of product conducive to their business.

• Respond to customer phone inquiries and assist with customer problems, complaints, and requests for resolution.

• Process and control credit requests per Company policy; enter credits into Sales system; monitor history and report results.

• 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.

Job Requirements:

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Associates degree or equivalent training and experience

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years in a food distribution or sales environment preferred

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the perishable and organic food industry preferred

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Competent with MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel and Word; PowerPoint

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proven negotiation skills as demonstrated by previous work experience

• Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals

• Comfortable in an open, dynamic and collaborative work environment

• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment

• Proven customer service standards

• Able to resolve issues appropriately and in a timely manner

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.