Sales Associate - Small Format

Columbia Distributing Inc; Kent (WA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Distributing is seeking an energetic Sales Associate in Kent, WA to drive sales, merchandise the portfolio, and provide route relief for Sales Representatives across accounts. You will engage with internal teams and customers, deepen product knowledge on beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and related trends, and uphold supplier program standards.

The role requires strong communication, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and a focus on meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance required.
• 1 year beverage industry sales experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Effectively sell, rotate and merchandise the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts.
• Provide route relief for Sales Representatives as scheduled.
• Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
• Establish and maintain a high level of industry knowledge: beer, non-alcoholic, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
• Maintain appropriate themed programs to meet supplier and company standards.
• Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date.
• Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy.
• Understand and assist with MVP Standards.
• Monitor competitive activity and communicate strategies.
• Strong sense of accountability
• General knowledge of industry products.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Relationship building

Independent work

Product knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Sales Associatesaccomplish sales, merchandising and distribution goals by assisting the execution of business objectives and company initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively sell, rotate and merchandise the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts.
• Provide route relief for Sales Representatives as scheduled.
• Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
• Establish and maintain a high level of industry knowledge: beer, non-alcoholic, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
• Maintain appropriate themed programs to meet supplier and company standards.
• Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date.
• Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy.
• Understand and assist with MVP Standards.
• Monitor competitive activity and communicate strategies.
• Strong sense of accountability
• General knowledge of industry products.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Work indoors with frequent walking in customer accounts

Physical Demands

• Lift/Carry and Push/Pull up to 50lbs
• Use of industry tools: hand truck, six wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter
• Work indoors and outdoors.
• Driving required

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.

Travel

Ability to travel throughout the day to customer accounts.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance required; Minimum of 21 years of age.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1 year of previous beverage industry sales experience

Compensation

• Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
• Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
• Hired applicant may be eligible for incentives/ bonuses/ annual bonuses.

Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: District Manager

Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets

Columbia Distributing offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 24/7 virtual care, paid vacation, sick and holiday time, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional offerings inclu

AAP/EEO Statement

Columbia Distributing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please contact the Human Resources Dept. at [phone] or email [e-mail] if you have questions regarding reasonable accommodations.