Account Specialist - Produce

Job Overview

Support overall sales growth plan by increasing sales while providing enhanced customer service to customers. Responsible for handling produce and/or non-produce for assigned accounts by anticipating customer needs, managing sales margins, entering customer orders, and expanding new customer base.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for meeting or exceeding established targets for sales and gross margin with assigned customer list.
• Provide strategies and creative solutions for assigned accounts.
• Maintain existing customers and revenue; develop and grow customer business, partnerships, and relationships.
• Identify, qualify, and make phone solicitations of potential new customers.
• Provide division sales leadership with feedback from customers on Sales Team effectiveness.
• Solicit and process customer orders.
• Visit customer accounts as necessary to enhance relationships, build/develop businesses, and resolve customer problems.
• Ensure customers receive timely and accurate information on product availability, quality, and price.
• Suggest substitutions to customers for items ordered that are unavailable or otherwise unacceptable; encourage customers to purchase maximum amounts of products conducive to their business.
• Respond to customer phone inquiries and assist with customer problems, complaints, and requests for resolution.
• Process and control credit requests per Company policy; enter credits into the Sales system; monitor history and report results.
• Coordinate Sales activities with Quality Control, Transportation, Accounting, and Purchasing to entire customer satisfaction on all levels.
• Assist in training and mentoring new and/or junior staff members.
• Perform duties following HACCP and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location.
• Lead and serve as a role model for others in the organization by consistent demonstration of high ethical standards.
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.
  
  

Job Requirements

Education/ Certifications:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent training and experience.
  
  

Experience

• 3 years in a food distribution or sales environment preferred.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Knowledge of the perishable and organic food industry preferred.
• Competent with MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word; PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven negotiation skills as demonstrated by previous work experience.
• Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
• Comfortable in an open, dynamic, and collaborative work environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Proven customer service standards.
• Able to resolve issues appropriately and promptly.
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
  
  

Work Environment

Hybrid Role:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.
  
  

Physical Environment/Demands

Office Roles:

• Some travel May be required.
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbents may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.