GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The sales and distribution location for this position is in Charlotte, NC for a multi-location wholesale distributor. In this role, you will act as a liaison for customers by maintaining and creating new business for Athens and managing it to the position of a preferred supplier as well as other sales responsibilities. The trainee role is intended to provide exposure to all aspects of the company’s business and eventually transition into a Commissioned Sales Representative role as the candidate proves able.

INITIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Much of the training for this position will entail communication with customers to place orders, track order progress, transfer stock between company locations, resolve complaints, and contribute to customer satisfaction. You will be expected to work effectively with other customer specialist and sales representatives to check orders for accuracy and integrity.

• Generate solutions to customer inquiries by building and retaining trusting relationships.
• Execute customer orders promptly, along with the responsibility of providing order availability, confirmation, tracking, and all other customer inquiries.
• Utilize knowledge of products, delivery schedules, and individual customer history to provide a key communications link to the customer.
• Produce sales of new or additional products by providing proactive, quality service and following up on customer needs.
• Answer customers’ questions with accurate and complete information by using system tools and resources provided.
• Ensure a timely resolution of customer issues by working promptly to manage and resolve payment issues, delivery discrepancies, and other inquiries.
• Coordinate closely with warehouse managers, drivers, and sales representatives to assure orders have been delivered or received.
• Support Division Sales Representatives as required.
• Complete other tasks as directed by supervisor / leadership.

FINAL EXPECTED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Once the Sales Trainee achieves proficiency with other aspects of customer service, the trainee will transition into a Sales Representative position. These duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Sell goods to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations by contacting existing and potential customers and explaining the features of the products they are selling.
• Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with all current and potential customers.
• Negotiate prices and answer any questions customers may have about the products.
• Attend sales meetings to learn features of products.
• Participate in trade events.
• Prepare written quotes for new business.
• Maintain informative, working relationships with Athens customer service representatives.
• Provide accurate and on-going information to Athens credit department regarding customers.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

• College Degree in Relevant Field Preferred
• Technically proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to innovate selling skills with current technology trends
• Commitment to high ethical standards in a diverse workplace
• Open to direction and a collaborative work style to get the job done

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Action and Results Oriented
• Business Acumen
• Positive Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Customer Oriented
• Problem Solving Skills
• Ability to manage and measure workload
• Dependable, Conscientious, Driven

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off Including 8 Annual Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance including Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans 1ST of the month following 30 days of employment
• Health Savings with Company Contribution / Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Telemedicine
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Contribution

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position works in a variety of environments and will require travel on a daily basis.

ABOUT ATHENS

Founded in 1952, Athens Paper is among the largest privately-owned distributors of paper, packaging, and wide-format serving the United States. Athens success throughout the years has been attributed to our passion to serve our customers and the drive for excellence in everything we do. Our company supports employee’s growth through unique opportunities, a team focus, and competitive benefits. Athens Paper is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and supporter of workplace diversity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlotte, NC 28269: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person