Produce Sales Associate

Produce Sales Associate Would you like to get your foot in the door with one of the fastest growing business divisions in NWA and can create your own career path to success? If you answered yes to both questions, then Schmieding Logistics is looking for you. Founded in 2015 and born out of an 80-year-old produce company, Schmieding Logistics has grown 300% since its inception and continues to thrive because of our first-class customer service. We ship over 35,000 loads of our own produce annually and only work with reliable and efficient carriers to ensure delivery at a competitive rate to the customer on time. We are an established company with a very big vision for the future, and we want YOU to join us on the road to success. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Our Produce Sales Associate candidate will take on the responsibility of sales and purchasing within the Process Department. Specifically, chip potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, process potatoes, red beets, and other process commodities will all be involved. The Sales Associate will gain familiarity with all growers and customers and become efficient at contracting both purchases and sales agreements. The associate will have the opportunity to see all functions within the business. Including the transportation aspect and its importance in our business. New Customer Identification will be important as we grow the business. Traveling will be occasionally required to go to process plants, farms, and trade shows. Our ideal Produce Sales Associate will have the following attributes: Work independently as well as in a team environmentProfessional demeanor and high level of integrityHigh sense of urgency and thrives working in a fast-paced environment.Strong ability to persuade, motivate, negotiate, and influence others.Possesses ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.Confident decision-making, problem solving and prioritization skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skillsCoachable, competitive and strong desire to grow and develop within the organization.Resilient, strong work ethic, self-motivated, enthusiastic and driven Key Responsibilities: Procurement Develop new processing produce customers throughout North AmericaGrow existing customer relationships through exceptional service and execution.Negotiate annual and seasonal sales contractsUnderstand customer specifications, production schedules, and delivery requirementsBecome a trusted advisor to customers by providing market intelligence and supply solutions Management Purchase PriceFreight CostDelivered CostSales PriceGross ProfitNet Profit Logistics Coordination Coordinate transportation with logistics personnelKeep relationships with some logistic carriers directly-as this gives an idea as to marketEnsure on time deliveriesMinimize freight cost by always pushing downwards as ableResolve Transportation issues quickly and fairlyCommunicate effectively with growers, carriers, and customers Market Intelligence Monitor the produce markets dailyUnderstand supply and demand trendsAnalyze regional crop conditionsTrack competitive pricingAnticipate market opportunities and risks Quality Assurance Ensure products meet customer specificationsWork closely with Quality Assurance Personnel Resolve quality issues promptlyProtect the Schmieding Produce reputation for excellence Monitor Gross MarginNet profitFreight Efficiency Inventory RiskClaims and ShrinkCustomer profitability Performance Expectations: Grow annual sales volumeIncrease department profitabilityDevelop new customersExpand supplier networkMaintain exceptional customer retentionExecute contracts with accuracyDeliver world class customer serviceMaintain outstanding ethical standards Ideal Candidate Profile: Integrity Always honest and trustworthyKeeps commitmentsOperates with complete transparencyProtects the reputation of Schmieding Produce Exceptional Work Ethic Self-MotivatedWilling to do whatever it takes to serve the customerHighly responsiveTakes ownership of resultsConsistently follows through Relationship Builder Earn trust quicklyStrong communicatorTreats growers and customers with respectDevelop long-term partnerships Business Acumen Understands profitabilityMake sound financial decisionsNegotiates effectivelyThinks strategically Key Responsibilities: Minimum three (3) years of sales experienceExcellent verbal and written communication skillsBasic computer skills; Proficient in Word, Outlook and ExcelBachelors degree is a plus not requiredStrong negotiations skillsKnowledge of fresh produce, logistics, and processing marketsAble to travel to growers and customer locations as needed (5% of the time)