Position:Inside /Outside Sales Representative

Reports to:Chief Operations Officer

Type: Contract Role (6 Months with potential for renewal)

Hours: Full-Time / Minimum of 40 hours per week, occasional weekends as needed

Hours of Operations: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Compensation: $50,000 Annual Base Salary 10% Uncapped Commission on Sales

Organizational Description. Sweet Beginnings is an innovative social enterprise that is part of the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN). With a mission to offer a fresh start to individuals returning from incarceration, Sweet Beginnings manages about 20 urban bee apiaries and produces a range of all-natural honey and bee-based products. By providing job training and real employment opportunities in beekeeping and natural product manufacturing, Sweet Beginnings plays a pivotal role in reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into their communities, equipping them with valuable skills, and paving the way for a brighter future. Through every purchase, customers not only enjoy premium, natural products but also contribute to a larger, impactful cause—transforming lives and strengthening the fabric of the North Lawndale community.

Our Mission. To improve the earning potential of the North Lawndale community through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life for residents.

Opportunity.This is an initial 6-month contract position with the potential for renewal based on performance and organizational fit. The selected candidate will be offered a competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary of $50,000 and a 10% uncapped commission on all sales generated by the representative. This role is designed for a driven sales professional eager to achieve personal success and contribute to our team's success in growing the social enterprise, as well as its impact on the lives of our North Lawndale constituents.

Key Responsibilities:

· Focus on several key market targets – corporate bulk purchasers and retail purchasers, plus identifying (and establishing) synergistic opportunities with other complimentary products in the marketplace.

· Re-engage with past customers to secure new orders and foster ongoing participation in corporate purchasing programs.

· Activate existing organizational contacts that have not previously purchased from Sweet Beginnings, converting them into active corporate program customers.

· Test and refine a variety of prospect development strategies to maximize sales opportunities and achieve sales targets.

· Maintain detailed records of sales activities, including calls, meetings, and follow-ups, to ensure accurate forecasting and sales strategy development.

· Work closely with Sweet Beginnings and NLEN leadership to identify new sales opportunities and contribute to achievement of organizational goals.

· Provide exceptional customer service, understanding customer needs, and offering solutions that meet those needs.

· Assisting in general and social media marketing.

Requirements:

· Minimum of 3 years of experience in outside sales, with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales quotas.

· Demonstrated ability to re-engage past customers and activate new clients.

· Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to persuade and close sales.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of initiative and self-motivation.

· Experience with CRM software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

· Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.

· Experience in social media marketing, a plus.

Schedule

· Monday to Friday, flexible hybrid schedule.

· Evening and weekends, as needed, to support unique sales engagement opportunities.

Application Process:

· Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume with cover letter detailing their experience and how they can contribute to our team.

· In the cover letter, please include specific examples of your sales achievements and strategies you have employed to meet and exceed sales targets.

· Email your resume and cover letter to HR@NLEN.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Compensation package:

• Commission pay
• Uncapped commission

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60624