Route Sales Representative (Retail + Warehouse)

Sarris Candies Inc•Plain City, OH

11d•$28 - $32

About The Position

Sarris Candies is seeking a dependable, organized, and self-motivated representative to support its Columbus market. This hands-on field position services retail accounts throughout the area while managing the day-to-day operation of a local warehouse hub. The role combines independent route work, customer relationship building, merchandising, inventory management, warehouse organization, and product delivery. The representative ensures retail accounts remain stocked, displays are maintained, inventory is accurate and stored correctly, and deliveries leave the Columbus hub loaded and on time. The role also represents Sarris Candies to retail partners and helps the retail route and warehouse operation run smoothly and efficiently.

Requirements

Dependable, organized, and able to work effectively without daily on-site supervision.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Comfortable taking ownership of an assigned retail route and a small warehouse operation.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adjust to changing store and inventory needs.
Professional appearance and ability to represent Sarris Candies positively with customers and retail partners.
Willingness to work additional hours, including occasional weekends or holidays, when seasonal business needs require.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record; ability to meet company driving requirements.
Ability to successfully complete a background check consistent with company policy.
Comfortable independently opening and closing a small warehouse, loading a vehicle, and servicing retail accounts.
Basic inventory management skills, including counting, FIFO, and inventory tracking.
Comfortable learning company systems and using basic spreadsheets or handheld technology.
Must live within approximately 30 minutes of the Columbus metro area.
Ability to safely operate a company van or delivery vehicle for extended periods.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to load and unload cases, stock shelves, set up displays, and safely use a pallet jack.
Ability to perform frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
Ability to work in a conditioned warehouse, retail environments, and occasionally outdoors while loading or making deliveries.
Ability to visually inspect products and read labels, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
Regular local travel throughout the assigned service area is required.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in DSD, route sales, CPG merchandising, grocery or convenience retail, distribution, or small-warehouse operations.
Food-handling, warehouse sanitation, or food-safety experience.
ServSafe or similar certification.
Experience with confectionery, chocolate, or other temperature-sensitive food products.
Existing relationships within the Columbus grocery or convenience-store market.

Responsibilities

Service assigned retail accounts throughout the Columbus market.
Merchandise Sarris products according to company standards, including product placement, facing, planogram execution, and rotation.
Build and maintain working relationships with store managers and key retail personnel.
Write and manage orders based on store demand, inventory levels, promotions, and seasonal programs.
Scan and submit orders to headquarters and prepare orders for fulfillment and delivery.
Set up, maintain, and refresh displays, racks, and fixtures for everyday and seasonal programs.
Monitor product performance, including top sellers, slow-moving items, out-of-stocks, and competitive activity.
Communicate assortment and sales opportunities to the DSD Sales Manager.
Support promotions and seasonal transitions through timely merchandising and inventory planning.
Respond professionally to store questions, concerns, and delivery discrepancies.
Maintain accurate delivery paperwork, invoices, credits, and other required documentation.
Manage the day-to-day organization and operation of the Columbus warehouse hub.
Maintain a clean, secure, organized, and food-safe warehouse environment.
Receive inbound shipments, verify product counts, and store inventory properly.
Maintain an organized location system for approximately 20 pallets of inventory.
Monitor required warehouse temperature and humidity conditions and report issues promptly.
Manage FIFO, lot/date control, damaged product, and credits to minimize product loss.
Perform routine cycle counts and maintain accurate inventory records.
Coordinate inventory and inbound freight needs with headquarters to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
Follow company food safety, sanitation, pest-control, and security procedures.
Pick, pack, and load the company van for scheduled service days.
Keep the company van clean, organized, stocked, and ready for daily use.
Safely transport products to assigned retail locations.
Load and unload product and assist with stocking and display setup at customer locations.
Maintain responsibility for the condition and organization of the company vehicle.