Sales Associate

CenSea; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CenSea is seeking a motivated Seafood Sales Associate to join its growing sales team in a fast-paced environment. You will support day-to-day sales, build relationships with clients, and help drive profitable growth through proactive engagement and business development.

The ideal candidate thrives on relationship-building, has strong communication skills, and is eager to develop a long-term career in the seafood industry.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of sales or business development experience preferred.
• Experience in seafood, foodservice, food manufacturing, distribution, or related industries is a plus.
• Proven ability to prospect and develop new business opportunities.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process sales orders with accuracy and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients.
• Provide product information and recommendations to customers.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with supply chain to meet customer demands.
• Assist in preparing sales reports, forecasts, and analysis.
• Address customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and trends.
• Provide executive-level administrative support to VPs, including calendar management and travel coordination.
• Support planning and tracking of special projects.

Skills

Sales

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Cold calling

Relationship building

AI productivity tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Copilot

ChatGPT

Job description

Company Description

CenSea, founded in 1960 and headquartered in Illinois, is one of the largest importers and distributors of frozen seafood in the United States. The company offers a wide range of responsibly sourced, high-quality seafood products from nearly 25 countries, serving restaurant chains, foodservice distributors, retailers, and food manufacturers. CenSea's products are affiliated with leading industry and sustainability organizations, including GSSI, NFI, BSB, GSA, SIRF, and SNP. In 2024, CenSea joined Captain Fresh to further enhance traceability, sustainability, and quality through technology while maintaining its strong record of reliable delivery and customer commitment. The company is dedicated to bringing the best seafood to its customers and providing responsive service within standard business hours.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a motivated, dynamic, and versatile Seafood Sales Associate to join our growing sales team. This role is ideal for an ambitious individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and is eager to develop a long-term career in the seafood industry.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills. They will support day-to-day sales activities, identify new business opportunities, and help drive profitable growth through proactive customer engagement and business development.

Education:

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of sales, business development, customer service, or administrative experience preferred.
• Experience in seafood, foodservice, food manufacturing, distribution, or other commodity-based industries is a plus, but not required.
• Previous experience prospecting, cold calling, or developing new business opportunities is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis).
• Comfortable using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to improve productivity, research, reporting, and customer communications.
• Ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and think creatively to drive sales growth.

Attributes:

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and desire to build a long-term sales career.
• Confident, resilient, and comfortable making outbound prospecting and cold calls.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and customer focus.
• Eager to learn, adapt, and grow within a dynamic and evolving industry.

Why Join Us?:

The seafood industry offers a career unlike any other - combining global markets, relationship-driven sales, and continuous learning in an essential industry that feeds millions of people every day. This position provides an opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals, develop valuable sales and business skills, and build a rewarding long-term career with significant opportunities for advancement. If you're looking for a career that is challenging, exciting, and different from traditional sales roles, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and process sales orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients.
• Provide product information and recommendations to customers.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with the supply chain team to meet customer demands.
• Assist in the preparation of sales reports, forecasts, and analysis.

Customer Service:

• Address customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through effective communication and follow-up.

Market Research:

• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and trends in the seafood industry.
• Compile and analyze sales data to inform strategic decisions.

Executive Support:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to various Vice Presidents.
• Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Project Management:

• Assist in the planning and execution of special projects.
• Track project progress and ensure timely completion.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position, Monday to Friday. In office required, 4-5 days a week
• Office environment with occasional travel required for meetings and events.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.