HG Sales Representative

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The Hard Goods Sales Representative will engage with our diverse customer base, selling a variety of horticultural products and supplies. This role will primarily involve communication from our sales office, showroom, home office, and occasionally on-site at customer locations. The position offers a competitive base salary complemented by a commission and bonus structure, rewarding those who excel in driving sales and building client relationships. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• The following duties are essential to this position. Management may assign additional duties as necessary. 
• Frequent travel throughout the assigned region to connect with both established and potential customers, ensuring a consistent presence in the market. 
• Foster strong relationships by answering customer inquiries via phone or in person, providing expert guidance on our product offerings. 
• Showcase products effectively, utilizing samples and catalogs to highlight their benefits and features. 
• Provide customers with accurate delivery estimates, ensuring timely and reliable service. 
• Compile reports on business transactions and customer feedback, ensuring all information is tracked for future reference. 
• Maintain detailed records of travel expenses and submit for reimbursement on a biweekly basis. 
• Provide pricing and credit terms to customers, preparing sales contracts for completed orders. 
• Exercise sound judgment in assessing customer creditworthiness, ensuring responsible sales practices. 
• Collaborate with collections personnel to monitor customer accounts, updating on statuses such as seasonal performance or business changes. 
• Enter customer orders accurately into the Prelude computer system, ensuring efficient processing. 
• Participate in sales meetings and support the Customer Service Department during peak periods, absences, or training sessions. 
• Occasionally assist with product deliveries to enhance customer satisfaction. 
• Uphold the confidentiality of all internal communications and proprietary information unless authorized to disclose. 

Qualifications

This section lists the required level of job knowledge (such as education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities) required to do the job. This section focuses on the “minimum” level of qualifications for an individual to be productive and successful in this role. 

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field is preferred, but not required 

• Relevant certifications in sales or horticulture are a plus. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in sales, preferably in the horticultural or agricultural industry. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets. 

• Experience working with wholesale/retail customers and an understanding of their needs. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Familiarity with horticultural products, growing techniques, and market trends. 

• Strong negotiation, presentation, and closing skills, with the ability to tailor approaches to different customer segments. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a knack for building rapport.  

• Ability to address customer concerns effectively and develop solutions in a timely manner. 

• Comfortable using computer systems, including CRM software and order processing platforms. 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and responsibilities simultaneously. 

• Willingness to collaborate and support team efforts while being self-motivated to achieve personal sales goals. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The Hard Goods Sales Representative will primarily operate in a hybrid work environment, balancing responsibilities between an office setting and customer locations. The role involves regular communication with customers and the use of various technologies and equipment to support sales efforts. 

Work Setting: Frequent visits to customer locations, including greenhouses, retail stores, and farms, which may vary in layout and accessibility. 

Temperature Variations: Exposure to outdoor weather conditions; temperatures may vary significantly depending on the season and location. Employees should be prepared for both hot and cold environments when visiting client sites. 

Noise Levels: Noise levels can vary; in retail environments, there may be background chatter and machinery, while greenhouses may have sounds from fans or irrigation systems. 

Equipment Usage: Product samples for demonstrations, mobile devices for communication and navigation, and occasionally basic tools for product setup or delivery. Computers, printers, telephones, and CRM software for managing customer relationships and processing orders. 

Travel Requirements: Regular travel within the assigned territory is required, including driving/flying to various customer locations. Occasional overnight trips may be necessary for attending trade shows or customer events. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are essential for this role. 

Physical Demands (The physical demands outlined below are indicative of those essential for performing the job effectively. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals with disabilities to facilitate the completion of essential functions): Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as product samples and marketing materials. Frequent walking, standing, and driving during customer visits. Some outdoor activity may be required, including navigating uneven terrain at horticultural sites. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU! 

At Griffin, we are committed to fair and equal treatment of all employees and future applicants. We believe that diversity fosters innovation and collaboration, making us a stronger organization. We hold ourselves accountable for maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and expect our employees to treat one another with respect. Together, we work towards a workplace where every voice is valued, every perspective is embraced, and every opportunity is accessible. 

Our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, from recruitment to advancement, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all team members. We recruit, hire, promote, transfer, and provide opportunities for advancement on the basis of individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, status as a covered veteran or any other protected classification under law. 

Griffin is EOE, ADA and E-Verify compliant.