JOB SUMMARY: Support responsibilities for Sales Department. Responsible for customer service for NAFTA/International sales, sample requests and other inquiries. Responsible for processing commercial orders for assigned customers.Answers customer inquiries regarding seed availability and seed releases. Assist with allocation and prorates. Provides back up for Team Members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:
- Resolves customer questions related to orders, seed releases, samples, seed availability delegates and takes orders as needed.
- Receives, researches and promptly answers customer inquiries regarding product, seed quality, pricing and availability. Proactively keeps customer updated on their booking, order status and shipment date. Prepare sales reports customized for customer needs and for Area Sales Managers, as needed.
- Follow up on customer inquiries and researches to assure satisfactory completion. Must be able to provide technical product information, seed treatments and seed enhancement options to customers upon request.
- Keep customer profiles updated, with correct addresses, phone numbers, shipping account numbers, and other pertinent information.
- Work with Documents/Inventory team to keep current on country/state and international restrictions, customer requirements, and phytosanitary requirements. Work closely with Quality/Lab and Documents/Inventory Planner to request grading, reports of analysis and OIC’s per customer requirements. Request lab reports when necessary.
- Performs other clerical duties, assists with reports and performs other projects as assigned by the Sales Department Managers. Perform back-up duties and support for other team members. Have a working knowledge of all assigned territories/customers when needed for backup, so shipments will not be delayed.
- Work with Finance and the Sales staff to solve credit, incorrect pricing and seed return issues. Assist in the research and resolution of Product Inquiries (complaints).
- Workwith Product Development (PD) and Sales Managers in the processing of trial sample orders, including reports as needed.
- Cross train within the department to learn internal processes, procedures and customer preferences associated with Sakata products.
- Attend at least one internal vegetable/flower event, virtual and otherwise, to help further knowledge of products and also develop customer relationships.
- Has the ability to offer discounts for non-standard seed lots within standardized rules or with the assistance of Sales Management.
- Proactively make customer calls to confirm shipment dates, discuss seed availability for spot orders, update contract status and support various Area Managers as required.
- Maintain a working knowledge of internal budgets and monthly sales goals.
- Proactively works to upsell products and sell through inventory. Work to sell substandard seed lots or small quantity lots.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Must have excellent telephone manners and speaking ability.
- Must have excellent word-processing skills and be proficient in Word, Excel and other computer applications.
- Must be detail-oriented.Must be able to multi-task.
- Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
- Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
- Customer service or related experience preferred.
- Spanish language fluency in reading and writing preferred.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination or education and experience
EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:
- At least 3 months of sales/customer service experience preferred
- Experience with Inventory Software preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time
- Must be able to work at a computer terminal and on a computer keyboard for long periods of time
- Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
- Travel requirements: up to 1-2 times a year
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Salary: $26- $28 per hour
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
- Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- 401k program with company match
- Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
- Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
- Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
- Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month thereafter.
- 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
- Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
- Company provided EAP
- Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
