Description

**This position requires flexibility to travel 75% of the time in the Mid-Atlantic region***

Founded in 1992, The Coastal Companies has emerged as the leading supplier of produce and dairy in the Mid-Atlantic and a leading regional processor of fruits and vegetables. With the addition of Hearn Kirkwood, The Coastal Companies has further expanded its capabilities in prepared foods, ready to eat products, and grab-and-go. The company and its subsidiaries – Coastal Sunbelt Produce, East Coast Fresh, Hearn Kirkwood, and Lancaster Foods - operate facilities in Baltimore/Washington and greater Richmond. Through a fleet of over 300 trucks, The Coastal Companies delivers daily to foodservice customers and major retailers along the East Coast. With a commitment to food safety, quality, service, sustainability, and staff development, The Coastal Companies has established itself as an industry leader.

Position Objective: The Merchandiser works to improve the organization’s market position and achieve financial growth. This position will schedule and visit all store locations along the East Coast with the objective toward building key relationships with store managers and providing sales feedback at the store level. 

The major responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Organic retail pricing for retail accounts 
• Territory to cover Eastern seaboard
• Scheduling on site visits with customers
• Define long-term organizational strategic goals, build key customer relationships and identify business opportunities
• Food show setups and breaks down; works event
• Works to grow existing customer sales through further account penetration, service levels and fostering a partnership approach to business
• Presents new products and services to enhance existing relationships
• Club stores reports to buyers, coordinates buyers request for demos, coordinates new store orders, problem solves
• Merchandises store level with planograms and resets
• Partners with R&D on new product development
• Partners with Marketing for new product launches
• Works independent retailers in the local market
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications and Educational Requirements: 

• Ability to travel full time to all necessary locations along East Coast 
• Basic computer skill, email, word, excel
• Minimum of five years relevant experience
• Experience in food preferred; produce experience a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; high school diploma required
• Self-starter, team oriented

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Location: The Coastal Companies
9001 Whiskey Bottom Rd. | Laurel, MD 20723