Customer Service Representative

C&D OPERATIONS LLC; Branford (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Carbonella & DeSarbo in Branford, CT is seeking a Customer Service Representative to handle orders and respond to inbound inquiries in a fast-paced, office-based setting. You will use our online ordering system and support a busy phone line.

You will work closely with Sales, Shipping, Purchasing and Finance to resolve issues, manage backorders, delays, substitutions, and ensure on-time delivery while delivering top-tier customer service.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service required, ideally in food distribution or similar.
• ERP experience preferred; knowledge of Produce Pro a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Handle inbound calls, emails, and voicemail orders.
• Provide informative and responsive service to customers.
• Coordinate with Sales, Shipping, Purchasing, and Finance to ensure real-time delivery schedules.
• Assist with special requests and problem solving with customers.
• Maintain accurate order data and assist with ERP-based record-keeping.

Skills

Multitasking

Effective communication

Phone etiquette

Customer service mindset

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP system

Produce Pro

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Carbonella & DeSarboCarbonella & DeSarbo (C&D) is a private equity–backed fresh food distribution business, operating in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment where execution, accuracy, and operational discipline are critical. We work hard to connect our customers with the freshest, high-quality produce and specialty products available. We believe in providing our customers with the highest level of customer service, superior quality produce, at or below fair market value, 365 days a year with locations in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. We place great emphasis on maintaining the highest food safety standards and making our company a place that both our customers and employees love and trust.JOB SUMMARY:The Customer Service Representative will interact with Carbonella & DeSarbo's customers every day by taking orders and addressing inbound customer inquiries.This position will make use of a comprehensive online ordering system, and staff a busy phone system. The position is office-based.RESPONSIBILITIES:• Provide informative and responsive service to our highly valued customers.• During the day, provide live responses to customers during a high volume of incoming calls.• Provide solutions to client/customer and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.• Receive telephone calls, emails, and voicemail orders that require immediate follow-through to ensure real-time delivery schedules are met.• Manage special requests and problem solve with customers using the highest levels of professionalism.• Manage outbound communications regarding all aspects of product delivery including: product backorders, delivery delays (if/when applicable), and product substitutions.• Assist outside sales and inside operations staff with varying special projects.• Provide ultimate service and always meet the requirements of our customers.• Answering inbound customer calls (keying orders, submitting credits and special orders, searching for information on ETA of delivery) and solving problems by closely working with Sales, Shipping, Purchasing, and Finance.• Make outbound calls as assigned to fill in the downtime between incoming calls.SKILLS REQUIRED:• Strong aptitude to juggle multiple, detailed tasks simultaneously.• Meet deadlines with an ability to prioritize and manage a constantly changing demand.• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers• Pleasant and professional phone manner• Computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office products.• Experience with an ERP required, knowledge of Produce Pro software a plus.• Ability to use basic office equipment: multi-line phone, shared drive documents, team chat functions, scanner, 10-key.• Enjoy speaking with those who love high-quality food.• Excellent command of the English language.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:High school diploma or equivalent.Customer service experience required.Experience in the food service industry preferred.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ABILITIES:Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.Occasionally lift and/or move objects 10 - 75 lbs.Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawlOccasionally required to sit and climb or balanceSpecific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, dept perception and ability to adjust and focusSpecific hearing abilities required for this job include adequate hearing over a loud work environment in which several pieces of machinery are frequently running including pallet jacks, large shipping vehicles, motors, engines, etc.Occasionally required to enter and exit large refrigerated coolers, as well as work in warehouse open to outdoor temperatures during shipping and/or receiving.Must be able to tolerate working in temperatures ranging from 25 degrees up to 100 degrees; work environment may be cool or wet.Carbonella & DeSarbo is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.Applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship as a condition of employment.