Sales Specialist

About the role

The Sales Specialist supports sales execution and customer continuity within the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) network through organic growth with existing customers, execution of approved sales programs, and route relief coverage, while also supporting broader sales initiatives as needed.

Responsibilities

• Drives organic growth with existing customers through product introductions, promotions, merchandising, and display execution.
• Executes approved sales programs and product initiatives within assigned routes and accounts.
• Makes regular customer visits to support route performance, strengthen relationships, and address service or execution issues.
• Trains route sales representatives and customer staff on product knowledge, sales programs, and execution standards.
• Provides route relief coverage for Direct Store Delivery (DSD) routes as needed to ensure uninterrupted service and sales execution.
• Serves as a backup point of contact for Sales Managers, supporting customer communication, issue resolution, and operational needs when managers are out of the field or unavailable.
• Participates in daily sales team activities to support execution of sales priorities and objectives.
• Represents the company at trade shows, special events, and promotional activities as assigned.
• Ensures a high level of customer satisfaction by responding promptly to customer needs and resolving service-related concerns.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 years of experience in Direct Store Delivery (DSD), route sales, or sales execution within a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) environment.
• An acceptable driving record required.
• A DOT medical certification required.
• Covid vaccination may be required depending on route or customer requirements.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting existing customer growth, promotions, merchandising, and display execution.
• Proven ability to provide route relief coverage, including operating a route independently while maintaining service and execution standards.
• Strong working knowledge of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) operations, route processes, and sales execution standards.
• Ability to serve as a backup point of contact for Sales Managers, supporting customer issues and field execution when needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build credibility with customers, route sales representatives, and sales leadership.
• Experience training and coaching others on product knowledge, sales programs, and execution expectations.
• Basic analytical skills with the ability to review sales or route performance data.
• Proficiency with mobile sales tools, CRM systems, and Microsoft applications.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel locally and work flexible hours as required.

Qualifications

• Internal Only: Experience with Community Coffee, even if unrelated, may fulfill this requirement at the discretion of the hiring manager with approval from Human Resources.

Skills

• Builds trust.
• Continuous learner.
• Customer centric.
• Effective communication.
• Integrity.
• Results oriented.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), short- and long-term disability, paid time off, and employee assistance program.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Varies based on route and customer requirements.