We deliver food-safe, farmer-identified, seasonal produce. Our customers, which include produce distributors, retailers, food service providers, and CSA programs, utilize So Cal Farm Network to eliminate the logistical hassles of local farm distribution. We deliver the highest quality local produce on time and on one invoice. It is our scale and, most importantly, our grower relationships, that differentiates us from others.
We are seeking an employee that is motivated for the chance to belong to the local and organic food movement while earning a healthy living by establishing a foothold in the wholesale produce industry. The ideal employee exhibits excellent people skills, a strong work ethic, and is self-motivated to grow a sales-oriented business.
This is position temporary but with the expectation that it could lead to a permanent, full-time position. The following time frame is outlined below:
The probation period is divided into two stages (part-time and full-time):
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Part-time: From May 1st to May 31st, during this period, the employee will be exposed to the daily tasks to understand all aspects of the business. It will be 5-20 hours per week to be discussed with the candidate.
- Full-Time: June 1st to mid- July is the training period where the employee will work directly with a team member to learn about the network of supplier, customers, and accounts relationships.
Internal Sales Period: It is a full-time position from mid-July until October 1, where the employee will work and operate independently towards the goals of the company.
Internal Sales Responsibilities & Duties:
- Operate software to input customer orders, truck bills of lading (BOL), and generate purchase orders
- Gain knowledge of our network of vendors and their commodities and communicate directly with them
- Ordering/purchasing supplies as needed
- Manage our current customer’s needs and grow the account
- Create daily price list to share with customers
- Facilitate negotiations between seller and buyer and vice versa
- Identify and strategically pursue opportunities based on industry trends and offers
- Book and track deliveries with third party truck companies
- Resolve customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions, and making recommendations to suppliers
- Discover new commodities and sell to new and existing customers
- Invoice our customers for orders delivered
- Meet with existing customers and vendors
- Assist Account Receivables department
- Approve invoices from vendors
Outside Sales Period: starting in mid-October, the employee will transition from internal sales to outside sales. The employee will open new accounts and solely focus on sales.
Outside Sales Responsibilities & Duties:
- Expand sales opportunities by developing and maintaining relationships with existing and new customers to grow sales
- Manage day-to-day contact and resolve customer issues by implementing solutions to deliver customer satisfaction.
- Assemble market intelligence, by analyzing market conditions as regards supply and demand, to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Meet with prospective and existing customers
- Acquire new customers and sell them our product portfolio
- Cold calling and developing new customers on a daily basis
- Maintain a positive and honest relationship with customers
- Communicate daily with Buyer with the goal of customer satisfaction
The successful candidate will have:
- Ability to work remotely or from home office
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Top-notch communication skills, both written and oral
- Must travel frequently to visit customers
- Natural ability to provide exceptional customer service skills and work in a team
- Self- starter with excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Quick and logical thinker
- Previous experience and knowledge of the produce industry is preferred but not required
- Existing book of customers and/or suppliers preferred but not required
So Cal Farm Network offers a competitive salary and benefits package including, but not limited to, health, visual and dental insurance, paid holidays and time off, employee discounts, after a waiting period.
