Colo-Pac Produce, Inc. JOB DESCRIPTION: Sales Representative Job Type: Full-Time Department: Sales Reports To: Sales Manager / Management Position Summary Colo-Pac Produce, Inc. is seeking a motivated, customer-focused Produce Sales Representative to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing new business, maintaining strong relationships with existing customers, and increasing sales of fresh fruits, vegetables, and related products. This position requires excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced wholesale produce environment. The successful candidate will understand customer needs, provide exceptional service, and work closely with purchasing, warehouse, and delivery personnel to ensure customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Sales and Business Development
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with restaurants, grocery stores, foodservice operators, and other wholesale customers.
- Develop and maintain long-term relationships with existing customers.
- Increase sales volume and profitability within assigned accounts and territories.
- Proactively contact customers to promote products, seasonal offerings, and special pricing opportunities.
- Prepare competitive pricing, quotes, and product recommendations based on customer needs.
- Meet or exceed established sales goals and performance expectations.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer purchasing patterns.
Customer Service and Account Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts.
- Maintain regular communication with customers regarding product availability, pricing, quality, and delivery schedules.
- Accurately receive, review, and process customer orders.
- Respond promptly and professionally to customer questions, concerns, and complaints.
- Resolve order discrepancies, product quality concerns, and delivery issues in coordination with appropriate departments.
- Anticipate customer needs and recommend alternative products when necessary.
- Follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
Product Knowledge and Pricing
- Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of fresh produce varieties, grades, quality standards, packaging, and seasonal availability.
- Stay informed about changing produce market conditions, supply fluctuations, and pricing trends.
- Communicate product availability, substitutions, and market changes to customers.
- Work with purchasing and management to establish competitive pricing while maintaining appropriate profit margins.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new products and increase sales within existing accounts.
Internal Coordination
- Work closely with purchasing, warehouse, and transportation teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment and timely deliveries.
- Communicate special customer requirements, order changes, and delivery instructions.
- Assist in resolving shortages, substitutions, credits, and product returns.
- Maintain accurate customer account information, pricing records, and sales activity.
- Follow established company procedures for order entry, customer communication, and documentation.
Qualifications
Required
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain professional customer relationships.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
- Basic computer proficiency, including email, Microsoft Office, and order-entry systems.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
- Dependable, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
Preferred
- Previous experience in wholesale produce sales, foodservice distribution, grocery sales, or a related industry.
- Knowledge of fresh produce products, seasonality, quality standards, and market pricing.
- Experience managing business-to-business (B2B) customer accounts.
- Familiarity with inventory management, order-entry, and customer relationship management systems.
- Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
Work Environment and Expectations
- Work in a fast-paced wholesale produce distribution environment where product availability, pricing, and customer needs may change daily.
- Maintain professional and courteous communication with customers and coworkers.
- Be available during assigned business hours to address customer orders, questions, and time-sensitive issues.
- Work collaboratively with other departments to meet customer expectations.
- Maintain a high level of accuracy, accountability, and professionalism.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position will be evaluated based on:
- Sales growth and achievement of established sales targets.
- Customer retention and development of new accounts.
- Gross profit and account profitability.
- Accuracy of customer orders and account information.
- Customer satisfaction and timely resolution of issues.
- Product knowledge, responsiveness, and teamwork.
Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. Benefits and any sales incentive or commission opportunities will be discussed during the hiring process.