Account Specialist - Floral

UNFI; Providence (RI); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food distribution company is seeking a remote sales associate to enhance customer service and manage sales for assigned accounts. Applicants should have an Associate’s degree, with a preference for 3 years of experience in food distribution or sales. Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills are essential. This position offers a flexible remote work arrangement but may require occasional office visits.

Qualifications

• 3 years in a food distribution or sales environment preferred.
• Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with individuals.
• A good judgment is required as direct supervision may not be available.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed established targets for sales and gross margin.
• Provide strategies and solutions for assigned accounts.
• Maintain existing customers and develop new business relationships.
• Process customer orders and solicit potential new customers.
• Visit customer accounts as necessary to enhance relationships.

Skills

Knowledge of the perishable and organic food industry

Competent with MS Office Suite

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Proven negotiation skills

Strong organizational skills

Proven customer service standards

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent training

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

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

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 businesses, 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 amounts of products 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 the 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 new and/or junior staff members.
• Perform duties following HACCP and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location.
• Lead and serve as a role model for others in the organization by consistent demonstration of high ethical standards.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.

Job Requirements

Education / Certifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent training and experience.

Experience

• 3 years in a food distribution or sales environment preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of the perishable and organic food industry preferred.
• 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 the ability to multi-task. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Proven customer service standards.
• Able to resolve issues appropriately and promptly.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment

Remote Role

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Physical Environment / Demands

Office Roles

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

Equal Opportunity

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.