Customer Relations Representative

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Customer Service Representative I to process orders, answer questions, and coordinate with internal teams and partners. This role emphasizes accuracy, clear communication, and timely responses in a fast-paced dairy distribution environment.

The position offers training, with potential additional administrative duties as needed. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks under deadline

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of customer service experience is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive and enter customer orders via fax, EDI, or email following SOPs.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding orders, products, deliveries, and related concerns.
• Act as liaison between internal departments and external customers to ensure timely order fulfillment.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

The Customer Service Representative I plays a vital role in supporting customer satisfaction by efficiently processing orders, addressing customer inquiries, and facilitating communication between internal teams and external partners. The position requires a detail-oriented individual with strong communication, follow up and organizational skills. Full training is provided. This role may also include administrative support responsibilities as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately receive and enter customer orders via fax, EDI, or email, adhering to departmental standard operating procedures.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries regarding orders, products, deliveries, and other related concerns.
• Serve as a liaison between internal departments and external customers to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment and delivery.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of product lines, pricing, production schedules, and delivery timelines.
• Keep customer records and contact information current and accurate.
• Serve as the primary or backup account representative as assigned.
• Serve as liaison for managing customer complaints and damage claims.
• Cross-train to support other team members within the Customer Relations department.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned by the Department Manager.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of customer service experience is a plus.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency and accountability in handling time-sensitive matters.

Competencies

• Professional demeanor and ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Strong time management and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Working Conditions (Physical Demands)

This role is performed in an office environment with regular use of computers and communication devices. Occasional standing, walking, and lifting of up to 15 pounds may be required.

Pay

$20.00-$25.00 per hour*

The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.