Wholesale Sales and Purchasing Support Specialist

PACIFIC COAST FRESH COMPANY • Kent, WA

18d • $27 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Come grow with us! Pacific Coast Fresh Company is a local, family owned produce distributor that has proudly served our Pacific Northwest retail, wholesale and food service customers since 1977. We are now one of the largest independent produce distributors in the Northwest with distribution centers in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Our employees are a big part of our success, and we truly believe the words of our founder, Emil Nemarnik, who often said "Take good care of your employees, customers, shippers, and farmers and they will make you successful." We are currently seeking a Wholesale Sales & Purchasing Support Specialist for our Kent, WA office. As a member of our Wholesale and Purchasing Teams, this position is responsible for assisting sales representatives in providing excellent service to new and existing customers. They will also be responsible for procuring produce, dry goods, and other fresh products for our Retail, Wholesale, and Food Service customers. What you'll do...

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (college degree preferred)
• Experience working with customers and taking orders over the phone
• Familiarity and experience with a wide range of produce items, including local and organic products
• Proficiency with computers and MS Office products, with emphasis on Excel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to speak, read and write in English.
• Organized and detail oriented with ability to handle multiple, simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated understanding of produce, including seasonality, source, quality, and handling
• Ability to keep current on all the latest information and industry trends
• Pleasant and efficient phone manner, ability to build rapport over the phone
• Ability to pick up new tasks quickly
• Valid Drivers’ License
• Available for Sunday through Thursday work week

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

• Compile daily reports on product performance and statistics
• Write, place, and track purchase orders
• Negotiate with suppliers while building positive, long-term relationships
• Serve as a point of contact for suppliers as needed
• Plan, monitor, and maintain suitable inventory levels
• Work with suppliers, warehouse, and buyers to process returns and credits
• Assist in researching new items, growers, and categories
• Communicate consistently and effectively with internal and external partners
• Develop and deliver product training for internal audiences
• Reconcile invoices and purchase orders
• Work with transportation department to ensure have appointments and pick up numbers
• Assist sales representatives with administrative and sales activities
• Increase sales by studying needs, preferences, and buying patterns of customers, and suggesting products
• Submit orders by referring to price and product lists
• Overcome objections by emphasizing product and value
• Partner with others to successfully execute programs and projects
• Present new and creative ideas
• Positively represent the company by treating customers and other employees in a positive and professional manner
• Investigate and troubleshoot customer issues and demonstrate a sense of urgency by providing efficient and timely responses to requests
• Continually work to improve industry knowledge

Benefits

• The chance to contribute, learn a lot, and have fun along the way
• The opportunity to grow your expertise across both sales and purchasing
• Competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefit package including, medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, and bonus program
• Healthy, fresh produce you can eat or take home to your family through our generous employee purchase program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED