Sales Rep - Small Format - Kent, WA

Columbia Distributing; Des Moines (WA); On-site; USD 45,300 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Distributing is seeking a Small Format Sales Representative in Des Moines, WA. The role involves advancing and securing beverage sales while managing existing accounts. Candidates should have a high school diploma, sales experience in the beverage industry, and a valid driver's license. The job includes responsibilities such as inventory management, training, and effectively selling the product portfolio. This is a full-time position with local travel involved and varying work hours, including possible weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years previous sales experience in beverage industry.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy.
• Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers.
• Support the rotating and merchandising of product.
• Complete all required training to improve performance and effectiveness.
• Maintain a high level of industry knowledge.
• Create opportunities and develop programs appropriate to customer base.
• Submit all required reporting and surveys by the required due date.
• Effectively sell the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts.

Skills

General knowledge of industry products

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Effective organizational and time‑management skills

Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers

Education

High School diploma or GED

Sales Fundamental Certification

Cicerone level one

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Hand truck

Manual pallet jack

Box cutter

Job description

12d

Sales Rep - Small Format

#26-393

Kent, Washington, United States

Working Locations: Kent, Washington, United States

Pay Range: $45,300.00 - $67,000.00 per year

Summary

Small Format Sales Representatives are essential to Columbia Distributing's success. Each rep is responsible for advancing and securing beverage sales in the market, performing functions to secure new business accounts and facilitate the needs of the existing sales accounts. This is accomplished through territory planning, selling, merchandising and communicating the achievement of company and supplier objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy.
• Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers.
• Support the rotating and merchandising of product.
• Complete all required training to improve performance and effectiveness.
• Maintain a high level of industry knowledge: beer, non‑alcoholic, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
• Create opportunities and develop programs appropriate to customer base.
• Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense reports, mileage logs, etc. by the required due date.
• Effectively sell the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts.
• Minimum visibility in assigned accounts must be equal to or greater than competition.
• Increase net core brand distribution over baseline throughout the year.
• Minimum MVP standards in eighty percent (80%) of accounts surveyed and above MVP standards in twenty percent (20%) of accounts surveyed.
• Accomplish sales and distribution goals by executing the monthly, quarterly and annual business objectives and company initiatives.

Key Competencies

• General knowledge of industry products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers.

Work Environment

This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work.

Physical Demands

• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 165 lbs.
• Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp.
• Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six‑wheel, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc.
• Drive.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

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

Travel

Local travel only.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Sales Fundamental (which includes Certified Sales Professional‑CSP training and certification) required upon hiring; Cicerone level one required within one (1) year of start date.
• Minimum two (2) years previous sales experience in beverage industry.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance required.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous grocery or retail 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)