What are the responsibilities and job description for the Client Service Specialist (Food Broker) position at Affinity Group?
Position Summary:
Provide continuous service to the manufacturers, customers, and personnel of Affinity Northeast Region. Utilizes technology to place orders, maintain order entry system, file documents and communicate information. Act as a resource to support the advancement of sales efforts while contributing to business development. Position also includes inside sales and suggestive selling.
Essential Functions:
- Represent Affinity in an ethical and professional manner.
- Provide favorable, continuous customer service. Answer all questions and requests by using the tools provided. Follow through from start to finish on all questions and requests.
- Support all sales efforts set forth by the management staff, manufacturers, and customers.
- Support all Client Manager and Account Executives in any way necessary to keep an open line of communication between the clients and customers.
- Enter all orders into Foodmark system so Affinity is fully knowledgeable of orders, volume, invoices, and commissions.
- Enter all order direct ordering into Foodmark system that cannot be electronically imported.
- Cross-reference invoices with orders to be sure they are correct. Take the necessary steps to reconcile if there is a problem with invoicing.
- Update Foodmark with precise information and pricing.
- Answer phones, direct messages, monitor faxes.
- Order samples, POS, POP, coupons, marketing materials, etc. as needed.
- Communicate all markets/manufacturer information (includes market pricing) to distributors and appropriate sales team members.
- Filing- electronic and hard copies utilizing Share Point.
- Assist Reconciliation Specialist with information and paperwork necessary to reconcile commissions.
- Assist Trade Administrators with information and paperwork necessary.
- Utilize all training tools to become more product knowledgeable.
- Assist Account Executives on any issues that interfere with the placement or shipment of orders. i.e. credit referrals, credit holds, late trucks or “no-show” trucks, expedites, etc.
- Respond in a timely manner to any request for information from management, sales, clients and/or customers.
- Follow instructions provided by each individual manufacturer to ensure their needs are being met.
- Keep market knowledgeable by listening and learning from clients, distributors, and customers.
- Other duties as assigned and requested.
Education and Experience:
- Previous customer service experience is a plus.
- Experience in the food service area is extremely advantageous.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Flexible and able to manage adversity and change.
- Microsoft office suite experience with emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Share Point.
- Strong communication, influence, and problem-solving skills.
- Basic Technology skills communicating through email, phone, and text messaging.
- Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and committed to being the best.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
- Ability to lift 20lbs with or without help.
- Normal office environment, desk position.
- Typical workday of Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- Work performed in an Affinity Group office or, if authorized, from employee’s remote workstation.
The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
