Natural Foods Sales Representative

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Equal
Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are
economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial
relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our
success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more
equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

Position Overview 

The Natural Foods Sales Representative is responsible for meeting
annual new sales and growth goals as determined by supervisor, participation in
strategy and team development, order taking and customer service as needed. This position reports to the Store Group Manager and is a regular hourly 40-45 hours per week and has a worker-owner career track. 

Responsibilities

Sales and Account Management (approximately 75% of time) 

• Accountable for individual sales goals as determined by the Natural Foods Sales Manager
• Maintain and deepen relationships with current customers in a defined region
• Deepen customers' understanding of fair trade and Equal Exchange mission
• New Sales development: prospecting, evaluating, negotiating, proposing and closing new accounts
• Develop and pursue network sales
• Communicate the characteristics of Equal Exchange coffee, tea, cocoa and other products
• Communicate, understand and work comfortably with equipment
• Understand customers' needs and problem solve
• Maintain quality standards throughout supply chain to consumers
• Travel 4 to 6 days per month (as determined with supervisor)
• Work with and support regional team
• Design, implementation and evaluation of promotional strategies
• Communicate effectively with customer service team, including maintaining account database
• Work with brokers and Food Service Sales Reps to best serve accounts in region
• Order Taking and Customer Service: answering calls, taking accurate orders, problem solving and responding to customer inquiries 

Team Development (approximately 10% of time) 

• Continual learning and analysis about the market, Equal Exchange's relation to it, and how to market our authentic difference.
• Help develop, implement and refine Natural Foods team strategy and systems
• Support team members as needed or directed
• Some program work as determined by the Natural Foods Manager
• Continuous training in sales, marketing, equipment and product quality 

Personnel and Fair Trade Development (approximately 10% of time) 

• Participate in staff, team, departmental and educational (Exchange Time) meetings
• Develop and understanding of Equal Exchange's producer partners and trading model
• Understand and participate effectively in our worker cooperative model
• Flexibility to engage in other tasks as needed by the organization 

Qualifications 

• Ability to communicate well and problem solve
  with customers, team members and staff
• Ability to effectively manage time and
  responsibilities
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to rebound from rejection
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Previous sales experience preferred
• Previous Natural Foods experience preferred
• Previous experience with progressive business
  preferred
• Ability & willingness to travel
• Flexible, and willing  to continuously learn by experience 

Compensation: Starting salary is $33,400+ depending on experience.Benefits include health/dental/vision insurance coverage, vacations, holidays, sick days, and eligibility for worker ownership.

To Apply

Please use the email address below to send your resume, cover letter and
answers to the following questions:  

• Equal Exchange works with small-scale coffee farmers in countries such as Peru
  and Nicaragua. What do these farmers want from a relationship with Equal
  Exchange? How can Equal Exchange effectively help them to develop the resources
  to solve their pressing problems? 

• A new Sales Representative's goal is to sell an additional $120,000 worth of
  products - or about 17,000 pounds of coffee - in a year.  This goal
  includes sales growth in current customers' coffee programs as well as sales to
  new customers that the Sales Representative secures.  How would you go
  about reaching this goal? Why should Equal Exchange feel confident that you can
  reach this goal?

• What would you do as a Sales Representative in the following situation? You are
  approaching a Food Co-op that sells and brews coffee from their local
  roaster.  While the buyer believes in Fair Trade, they think that their
  commitment to a local roaster better serves their community and provides a
  great avenue to discuss sustainability.  How would you convince them to
  consider Equal Exchange's coffee program? 

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