Sales Associate

Heritage Exposition Services; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

401(k) retirement plan with employer 


ESOP — employee stock ownership plan

Paid Time Off

Training & Professional Development

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Heritage Exposition Services is seeking a Sales Associate to support the sales pipeline through lead identification, qualification, and early client engagement. The role focuses on low-complexity opportunities and transactional orders, serving as a development position toward a Junior Account Executive role.

The Associate will contribute to pipeline growth, assist with follow-up on early opportunities, and support revenue generation within defined scope and guidelines.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in sales, customer service, business development, or related client-facing role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Comfort engaging with clients and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify qualified leads aligned with Heritage’s services and events.
• Conduct initial outreach and follow-up communications to grow the pipeline.
• Qualify leads through discovery conversations and information gathering.
• Maintain accurate CRM records including lead status and activity tracking.
• Coordinate introductory calls and meetings between prospects and senior sales staff.
• Support proposals, pricing coordination, and sales materials for Account Executives.
• Track follow-ups and next steps in early-stage pipeline.

Skills

Lead qualification

CRM experience

Client communication

Sales coordination

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Salesforce

HubSpot

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Sales Associate supports Heritage’s sales pipeline by assisting with lead identification, qualification, and early-stage client engagement while managing low-complexity sales opportunities and transactional orders. This role is designed as a development position, providing hands-on exposure to sales activity, client communication, and trade show services while preparing the individual for advancement into a Junior Account Executive role.

The Sales Associate contributes to pipeline growth, improves follow-through on early opportunities, and supports revenue generation while operating within defined scope and complexity guidelines.

Reports to: Sales Director

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and identify qualified leads aligned with Heritage’s services, target markets, and event types
• Conduct initial outreach and follow-up communications to support pipeline development
• Qualify leads through discovery conversations and information gathering
• Enter and maintain accurate CRM records including lead status, opportunity notes, and activity tracking
• Coordinate introductory calls and meetings between prospects and senior sales staff
• Support Account Executives and sales leadership with proposal preparation, pricing coordination, and sales materials
• Track and flag follow-ups, next steps, and early-stage pipeline activity

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage low-complexity and transactional sales opportunities, including standardized exhibitor orders and repeat business
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned small accounts or transactional orders
• Ensure accurate scoping, documentation, and internal handoff of orders to operations and account management teams
• Participate in client calls and presentations alongside senior sales team members
• Build working knowledge of Heritage pricing structures, service offerings, and standard scopes
• Participate in sales team meetings and contribute to ongoing process and workflow improvements

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position is full-time and in-person, requiring on-site support at trade show events, including overnight travel and weekend/extended work hours based on event schedules.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, typing, grasping, and repetitive hand motion. Occasional bending, reaching, twisting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and lifting of up to 25 lbs.

Heritage Exposition Services is a DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE and requires pre-employment drug and background screenings.

Required

• 1–2 years of experience in sales, customer service, business development, or a related client-facing role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Comfort engaging with clients and internal stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Teams)

Preferred:

• Experience using a CRM system such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar
• Exposure to sales processes, lead qualification, or pipeline management
• Familiarity with the tradeshow, event services, or hospitality industries

Benefits & Perks

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401(k)) with employer match when applicable
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – eligible employees participate in the company’s long-term growth and success
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Paid Holidays)
• Training & Professional Development
• Career growth opportunities within a nationwide, employee-owned organization

Heritage Exposition Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.