Food Hub Co-op / Retail Sales Specialist (CSS)

Food Connects•Brattleboro, VT

37d•$24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Co-op /Retail Sales Specialist (CSS) strengthens and grows the Food Hub through supporting Co-op and large retail accounts. The Co-op Sales Specialist helps coordinate the Food Hub bi-weekly sales cycles; aiming to spend up to 4 days/week on the road visiting existing Co-op and Large Retail customers to build relationships, promote purchasing of regional & local products, and develop new customer leads in support of FC’s expansion goals. The CSS works with the Food Hub Sales Manager and Business Development Team to continuously evolve and develop seasonal sales strategies and plans, including prioritizing product sales flow based on current inventory, promoting new products and vendors, and promotions on seasonal crops. The CSS partners with customers on in-store promotions, product sales planning and projections, and coordinates in store demonstrations, offering the highest level of customer service. The CSS works closely with the Business Development Team, Operations Manager and Marketing Team. They participate, as needed, in decision-making on business development and the direction of the food hub as a whole. The CSS reports to the Sales Manager.

Requirements

2-3 years’ experience in one or more of the following types of roles. Some professional experience in the food industry strongly preferred.
Sales, Retail experience a plus, but not required
Buying/purchasing
General administration
Project management
Customer Service
Other applicable lived experience
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal: in person, over the phone, email, text.
Excellent customer service skills.
Cheerful, professional presence.
Strong organizational skills and natural proclivity for keeping detailed records.
Enthusiastic ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Comfortable with change and growth in an evolving business, creative problem solver and ability to jump in where needed to optimize operations.
Strong knowledge of veggies, fruits, dairy, meats, value-added products and other locally-produced foods.
Strong technical skills with computers, spreadsheets, emails, and digital business management tools such as: G-suite, Excel, Slack, Asana, and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Ability to learn and incorporate new tools and technology into a work plan.
Reliable cell phone.
Reliable transportation for getting to headquarters in Brattleboro, VT.
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
At least 3 professional references.

Nice To Haves

Co-op / Retail sales and/or purchasing experience.
Existing relationships with/knowledge of food producers and retailers in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Western MA.
General knowledge of the sustainable food and agriculture sector.
Strong data analysis / business intelligence skills.
Experience in small business management and/or business development, especially in the food sector.
Familiarity with the geographical area of our delivery services (Vermont, New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts).
Experience with E-commerce and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for food sales and distribution.
Knowledge of food safety regulations.
ServSafe Certified.

Responsibilities

Coordinates the bi-weekly Sales Cycle for Co-op and retail stores.
Promotes sales growth by enhancing existing relationships with customers and developing new relationships with potential customers.
Through these relationships, this role will understand the varied needs of our diverse customer base.
Spends up to 3-4 days per week on the road visiting new, existing, and potential customers to build relationships, promote products, and gather feedback.
Participates in “ride-alongs” with vendors to promote their products to new, existing, and potential customers.
Provides prompt conflict resolution to customers, issues credits and alerts sales and operations of issues as needed.
Resolves order issues in such a way that benefits both FC and the customers.
Coordinates with vendors and customers on promotions and helps to organize in-store promotions and demonstrations.
Assists the Sales Manager and Marketing Team in developing regular marketing and promotional materials.
Coordinates closely with the Business Development Team to scout and vet new products and vendors for the Food Connects catalog.
Develops sales plans, strategies and monthly promos in collaboration with Business Development Team
Identifies target customers and markets, as well as products and categories.
Reports on progress toward sales goals and offers constructive feedback and support to the sales team in achieving their own goals.
Maintains database of customer notes and developments in a clear, concise and consistent fashion.
Maintains up to date knowledge regarding current marketplace trends and regional & local seasonal availability.
Collaborates with the Business Development Team to recruit, hire, and train new team members, as needed.
Maintains positive relationships and communications between vendors and customers.
Accurately tracks and communicates mileage, hours, and other relevant travel information.
Attend regular one-on-one check-ins with the supervisor to seek and provide proactive and constructive feedback for mutual improvement and the general betterment of the Food Hub.
Engage in annual self-review.
Participate in annual peer-review processes for employees as required.
Fill in for other staff when needed.
Assist with training new employees, as needed.
Occasional paid off-hours meetings and events (with plenty of advance notice).
Other duties as needed to assist Food Connects in fulfilling its mission.
Weekly Chores as shared with the Food Hub Team.