Client Services Specialist

Affinity Group, Sales & Marketing; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Affinity Group is seeking a detail‑oriented customer service associate to support clients, customers and personnel. The role involves placing orders via the Foodmark system, handling invoices, and contributing to sales and business development.

You will back Account Managers, maintain distributor communications, and assist with order placement and issue resolution, while supporting a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service is a plus.
• Retail experience is advantageous.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous customer service and answer questions using available tools.
• Enter all orders into the Foodmark system and verify against invoices.
• Coordinate with Account Managers to keep communication open with clients and distributors.
• Maintain weekly communication with buyers at assigned distributors and report relevant information.
• Assist Account Executives with order placement, credits, or expedited shipments as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem solving

Adaptability

Self-starter

Entrepreneurial spirit

Tools

Foodmark

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Position Summary:

Provide continuous service to the clients, customers, and personnel of Affinity Group. Utilizes technology to place orders, maintain systems, file documents and communicate information. Act as a resource to support the advancement of sales efforts while contributing to business development. Position also includes some inside sales and suggestive selling.

Essential Functions:

• Represent Affinity in an ethical and professional manner.
• Provide favorable, continuous customer service. Answer all questions and requests by using the tools provided. Follow through from start to finish on all questions and requests.
• Support all sales efforts set forth by the management staff, clients, and customers
• Support the Account Managers/Business Managers to keep an open line of communication between the clients and customers.
• Enter all orders into Foodmark system so Affinity is fully knowledgeable of orders, volume, invoices, and commissions.
• Cross-reference invoices with orders to be sure they are correct. Take the necessary steps to make changes as they are identified.
• Update Foodmark with precise information.
• Maintain weekly communication with the buyers at assigned distributors.
• Report on information regarding clients to the distributor buyers and corresponding AG account executives & Trade Administrator.
• Communicate all markets/customer information (includes market pricing).
• Deductions
• Filing- electronic and hard copies
• Communicate all appropriate information to Management, Account Managers, Account Executives, and Co-workers.
• Utilize all training tools to become more product knowledgeable.
• Assist AG Account Executives on any issues that interfere with the placement or shipment of orders. i.e. credit referrals, credit holds, late trucks or "no-show" trucks, expedites, etc.
• Respond in a timely manner to any request for information from management, clients and/or customers.
• Follow instructions provided by each individual client to ensure the best scenario.
• Keep market knowledgeable by listening and learning from clients, distributors, and customers.
• Follow through on important issues and orders to make sure the outcome is what you expected
• Other duties as assigned and requested.

Education and Experience:

• Previous customer service experience is a plus
• Experience in the retail area is extremely advantageous

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Flexible and able to manage adversity and change.
• Microsoft office suite experience with emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong communication, influence, and problem-solving skills
• Basic Technology skills communicating through email, phone, and text messaging
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and committed to being the best.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Normal office environnement, desk position.
• Typical workday of Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
• Work performed in an Affinity Group office or, if authorized, from employee's remote workstation

Pay Range: $21-$26/hr

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.