Position Overview:
The Field Sales Assistant supports the sales team by assisting with various tasks to ensure smooth operations in the field. This role involves interacting with customers, assisting with product demonstrations, maintaining sales records, and providing administrative support to sales representatives. Field Sales Assistants are integral to improving the efficiency of the sales process, helping achieve sales targets, and delivering excellent customer service
Sales Support & Route Coverage:
Assist with Sales Department pack-outs, vacation coverage, and other route coverage across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.
Provide assistance with products approaching expiration and introduce new items to clients.
Product Management & Inventory:
Focus on slow-moving items for grocery accounts and deplete section items with large inventories.
Assist in managing inventory for slow-moving products, especially with grocery accounts.
Develop plans to reduce product damage credits and improve store conditions.
Market Expansion & Promotion:
Develop new spaces and implement new products in independent stores, particularly for Division 1 and Division 2 accounts.
Participate in grand openings, re-grand openings, and promotional demos to boost product visibility.
Expand the portfolio within restaurant accounts and support the introduction of new products.
Distribution & Sales Support:
Support distribution project orders for certain accounts and work closely with the sales team to follow up.
Focus on pushing items and improving store conditions, especially during the busy November-December holiday season.
Work with subcontracted merchandising teams to improve store displays and presentation in independent stores.
Collaboration & Communication:
Participate in key company events, such as the EMD’s Trade Show, weekly conference calls, and sales meetings.
Attend Conference calls twice a week (Tuesday to Friday at 6:30 am) and weekly merchandiser calls and sales meetings.
Engage actively in activities like samplings, resets, store set-ups, and displays for seasonal events (e.g., Cinco de Mayo, Summer, Holiday pushes).
Customer Service & Problem Resolution:
Address and resolve issues according to company procedures, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Establish a professional voicemail greeting and maintain a polished appearance when interacting with clients.
Financial & Administrative Tasks:
Collect outstanding payments from accounts when required.
Maintain confidentiality regarding all EMD Sales information and documentation.
Place orders within the required timeframes: 3 pm (Monday through Thursday) and 10:30 am (Friday).
Special Projects & Display Set-Ups:
Set up displays for special projects and seasonal events, including holidays, memorial events, and national celebrations (e.g., Mother’s Day, July 4th).
Execute second location projects and other merchandising efforts for key accounts.
General Assistance:
Tracking & Reporting:
Professional Qualifications & Skills:
Product Knowledge:
In-depth understanding of the products being sold, including features, benefits, and usage, to effectively assist customers and sales teams.
Ability to stay updated on new product offerings and industry trends.
Quality & Customer Focus:
Committed to maintaining high standards of quality and providing excellent customer service.
Ability to understand customer needs and provide tailored solutions to improve their experience and satisfaction.
Strong Organizational Skills:
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
Capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously while ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
Strong Written Communication Skills:
Proficient in creating reports, notifications, and warnings with clarity and professionalism.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing to document sales activities, product issues, and customer feedback.
Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to interact professionally with all members of the sales force, management, and customers.
Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively convey product information, resolve issues, and build relationships.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Leadership Abilities:
Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide team members to achieve sales targets and goals.
Ability to take charge in problem-solving situations and provide clear direction when needed.
Teamwork:
Strong ability to work effectively as part of a team, contributing to group success while also taking responsibility for individual tasks.
Collaborative mindset, fostering positive working relationships with peers, managers, and subcontracted teams.
Attention to Detail:
Ability to ensure accuracy in all tasks, from managing inventory to creating reports and organizing displays.
Keen attention to the finer details to ensure that all sales and merchandising efforts are executed flawlessly.
Bilingual (Preferred):
Fluency in more than one language is preferred, particularly if it aligns with the customer base or the company's target market.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele and sales force.
Education and Experience Requirements
100% Willingness to Travel Required- The role requires regular travel across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area, so candidates must be fully committed to traveling for customer visits, store coverage, and other sales support activities.
Vehicle Insurance of $300,000 Combined Single Limit- A valid vehicle insurance policy with at least $300,000 in combined single-limit coverage is required due to the frequent use of personal transportation for job duties.
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Valid Driver's License Required- A valid and current driver’s license is required as the role involves driving to various locations for sales support, deliveries, and meetings.
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We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including individuals with disabilities and veterans. EMD Sales Inc. participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
