Sales Associate

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Sales Associate is our entry-level sales position, designed for individuals looking to build a career in sales and customer account management. This role is responsible for supporting sales growth by developing strong customer relationships, managing a portfolio of accounts, identifying new business opportunities, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Working closely with the sales team, the Sales Associate will gain hands-on experience in account management, business development, customer communication, and sales strategy. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for helping customers succeed.

This position offers a strong foundation for career growth within the sales organization, with opportunities to advance into Account Manager.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Call on customers to drive up product assortment, sell in new items and deliver on sales/margin forecast for assigned territory.
• Work with Rep Groups to drive execution of company strategy and achieve sales forecast.
• Own and drive ROI with customer spending to deliver stronger promotional plans.
• Expand brands into new customers.
• Expand sales with assigned accounts as well as developing new business.
• Provide regular forecasting for accounts.
• Build annual business plans for territory and customers.
• Set plans with key accounts directly and with outside agencies.
• Execute proper pre-call planning, call plans and post call follow up.
• Hold outside agencies accountable to driving execution of company strategic plans at the customer/field level.  Manage outside agency compensation plans and annual objectives.
• Support account growth with sales initiatives, customer communications, and follow-up activities.
• Negotiate/manage contracts with accounts and outside agencies.
• Responsible for understanding current terms and programs for specific customers,   tradeshows, and special promotions.
• Plan and organize sales trips and travel arrangements to achieve maximum face-to-face contact with territory accounts, efficiently utilizing travel budget and time.
• Actively participate in sales meetings.
• Increase knowledge of our products, and industry as well as the activities and products of our competitors.
• Establishes competitive and profitable terms of sales such as price, delivery, and payment terms.
• Partner with the Sales Manager/CCO to execute sales strategies and programs focused on customer needs and profitable growth.
• Help expand sales with assigned accounts by identifying opportunities and supporting new business development.
• Maintain accurate sales records, account notes, and forecasts.
• Stay informed on product knowledge, industry developments, and competitor activity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance and Operations, to support customer requirements and order fulfillment.
• Contribute input on marketing materials, products, and packaging improvements from customer feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY:

At Adventure Ready Brands we pride ourselves on exhibiting quality in all we do. We are built upon core values that cultivate a culture of growth focused on results, customer satisfaction, leadership, innovation and initiative, as well as communication and teamwork. 

We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, FSA, HSA, Supplemental Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, 401k with matching program, paid maternity and parental leave, as well as company paid Short Term Disability, a company paid Life Insurance policy. At ARB, we provide weekends off, Paid Time Off after 90 days, paid holidays after 30 days, and a work environment with a hardworking, dedicated, and friendly staff!

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 1-3 years of prior sales experience or formal sales training preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with attention to detail.
• Organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel up to 40-50% for customer visits, rep group meetings, trade shows, and training.