Client Service Specialist (Food Broker)

SUMMARY:  The primary purpose of this position is to provide excellent customer service efficiently, accurately, and within the required timelines.  This includes but is not limited to order processing, trade administration, commission reconciliation, and bid processing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and broker sales representatives.
• Process customer orders, invoices, and commission statements.
• Maintain an understanding of minimum ordering requirements, lead times, revision policies, delivery schedules, item maintenance, and sample policies.
• Communicate price changes and shortage notifications to distributor customers.

• Enter bids into the bid program, request and quote pricing, process award information, and add products as needed throughout the bid term.
• Facilitate and complete direct bid documents and enter product information and pricing in the applicable program.
• Review competitive bid data to negotiate pricing with manufacturers for new bids.
• Ensure accurate pricing and order details are communicated.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the managers.

• Associate's Degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or six months to one-year related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Accounting and Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, contact management systems, database software, internet software, and order processing software.

• Business acumen skills.

• Well-developed negotiation, project, and account management skills.

• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.

• Commitment to excellence and high standards.

• Basic competence in duties and tasks of supervised employees.
• Ability to work with all levels of management.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work on time; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

PHYSICAL:
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee may lift and /or move up to 25-30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.