What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Customer Service Representative position at Little Bear Produce?
PRIMARY PURPOSE: This position will play a pivotal part in ensuring customer satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service, facilitating order processing, and building strong relationships with clients. This position will interact directly with customers to support their produce needs, ensure timely deliveries, and resolve any issues that arise.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education / Certification / License:
- High School diploma or equivalent (Required); Associates or Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Agriculture, or related field (Preferred).
- Current drivers’ license.
Experience:
- 1-3 years experience in customer service or sales role, preferably in the food or produce industry.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)/Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems software experience is a plus.
Special Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Bilingual - English & Spanish (Preferred)
- Team player with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to support team goals.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and a customer service-oriented mindset.
- Familiarity with produce products, supply chains, and food safety standards is a plus.
- Eagerness to learn and develop sales skills, with a growth mindset and a desire to pursue a career in sales.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with customers and partners.
- Ability to consistently resolve customer complaints rapidly and effectively.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Ability to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
- Displays strong integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in handling information confidentially.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.
- Strong work ethic. Able to work effectively independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail. Able to follow instructions, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Strong verbal/written communication & interpersonal skills.
- Dedicated, reliable, and committed to excellence in all aspects of work.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Customer Engagement & Relationship Management:
o Act as the primary point of contact for all customer inquiries, including questions about product availability, pricing, delivery schedules, and any post-sale support.
o Develop and nurture strong, long-term relationships with existing clients while proactively seeking new business opportunities within the produce industry.
o Understand customer needs and offer tailored product recommendations, helping clients optimize their orders based on seasonality, quality, and market trends.
- Order Processing & Coordination:
o Process orders & track shipments to ensure product specifications, quantities, and delivery details.
o Coordinate with the warehouse and logistics teams to ensure smooth order fulfillment, accurate deliveries, and adherence to delivery timelines.
o Monitor inventory levels and inform customers of any stock issues, providing alternatives or solutions as necessary.
- Sales Support & Upselling:
o Collaborate with the sales team to identify opportunities for increasing revenue through upselling and cross-selling additional produce items.
o Assist in the preparation of sales proposals, quotes, and promotions, helping to close deals and meet sales targets.
o Ensure customers are aware of any special offers, new product launches, or seasonal varieties that may meet their needs.
- Problem Solving & Issue Resolution:
o Handle customer complaints or issues with professionalism and efficiency, aiming for swift resolution and minimal impact on customer relationships. Escalate issues to management as necessary.
o Work with internal teams (quality control, operations, logistics) to address product or service-related concerns, ensuring that customer experience is always a priority.
o Process returns, exchanges, or refunds in accordance with company policies.
o Work closely with sales, logistics, and inventory teams to ensure seamless communication and service delivery.
o Gather customer feedback and report insights to management to help improve products and services.
- Data Entry & Reporting:
o Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions, orders, and sales activities using CRM software or order management systems.
o Provide regular reports on customer feedback, order trends, and sales performance to management.
o Ensure proper documentation of customer preferences, feedback, and recurring issues to continuously improve service quality.
- Market Knowledge & Product Expertise:
o Maintain a thorough understanding of the company’s product offerings, pricing, and promotions to assist customers effectively.
o Stay informed about industry trends, seasonal produce availability, and market pricing to provide knowledgeable advice and recommendations to customers.
o Educate customers on produce quality, storage, handling, and usage to add value to the service you provide.
o Communicate any potential disruptions or delays in the supply chain that may affect product availability or delivery.
- Follow all safety procedures/guidelines and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Report employee accidents, safety hazards, equipment issues, and quality issues promptly.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours (including evenings, weekends, and holidays) as needed.
- Performs other tasks as assigned or requested.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- 8 hour shift
Language:
- both English and Spanish proficently (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $22