Sales Consultant (Illinois)

Overview About us Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding . Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion , and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee . It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support. At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally , contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. How we reward you 401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2% Healthcare plans to support your needs Virtual doctor visits Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program 15% Associate Discount Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program Associate Assistance Program RK Cares Associate Hardship Program 24/7 Chaplaincy Services Company paid YMCA Family Membership Responsibilities What You’ll do The purpose of the Sales Consultant is to play a pivotal role in assisting customers with their agricultural and household needs. With a store knowledge of farm equipment, power equipment, tools, and home essentials, you will provide exceptional customer service and expert advice to ensure a positive shopping experience. Provide excellent customer service by helping potential customers find power equipment products that match their specific applications and needs. Engage the customer in meaningful conversations to understand their specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints by utilizing our customer engagement model. Assist customers throughout the retail financing process and ensure all requirements are met prior to the release of the tractor. Manage the ordering of many types of Power Equipment for store stock as well as customer special orders. Assist with receiving, moving, and displaying power equipment products. Follow the Indoor Merchandising Guide to its entirety, to ensure that all products are set and maintained to company standards. Conduct power equipment demonstrations when necessary. Assist customers in locating items within the store and recommend suitable alternatives if a particular product is unavailable. Actively listen to customer concerns, address any questions or issues promptly, and provide appropriate resolutions or escalade to the supervisor, if required. Collect customer contact information for situations that require follow-up such as times we are out of a product but expecting it to arrive soon, customer order arrives, new product is received that they might be interested in. Establish and maintain healthy, long‑term relationships with customers to generate repeat business and referrals. Provide expert advice and product knowledge to customers regarding a wide range of products such as power equipment, live animals, heating, fencing, batteries, lawn care, pools, etc. Demonstrate the features and benefits of the products, conduct product demonstrations, and explain technical specifications, as necessary. Utilize upselling and cross‑selling techniques to maximize sales and increase the average unit per transaction. Promote exclusive offers and awareness of store loyalty program. Process special orders, operate the POS register, and resolve return issues as needed. Collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets, foster a cooperative work environment, and contribute to the overall success of the store. Participate in training sessions and stay updated on product knowledge, sales techniques, and company policies and procedures. Contribute to the visual merchandising efforts by zoning product displays, ensuring proper signage, and maintaining a clean and attractive sales floor during periods when not assisting customers. Ability to work outdoors in elements such as Heat, Cold, Rain, Snow, Wind depending on your location. Participate in cross‑training for flexibility in various departments and responsibilities. Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments. Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities None Qualifications Essential Qualities for Success High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certifications in agriculture or related fields is a plus. Proven experience in a sales or customer service role, preferably in a retail environment. Deep knowledge and passion for agriculture, farm equipment, tools, and home essentials. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers and provides exceptional service. Strong problem‑solving abilities and the capacity to handle customer inquiries and concerns effectively. Results‑driven mindset with a focus on achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing customer demands. Basic computer skills for point‑of‑sale transactions and inventory management systems. Resilience and a willingness to deal with rejection. Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Initiative to devise sales strategies and work under pressure. Demonstrated behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities. Physical Requirements Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31-50 pounds intermittently. Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with others (in‑person and via electronic devices). Must have close visual awareness. Ability to use a ladder and/or pallet jack. Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $19.50 per hour , with exact compensation determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws. To learn more about our benefits, review here Min Max #J-18808-Ljbffr Rural King