Client Service Specialist (Food Broker)

CSS Position Summary:

Provide continuous service to the clients, customers, and personnel of Affinity Group. Utilizes technology to place orders, maintain systems/financials, file documents and communicate information. Act as a resource to support the advancement of sales efforts while contributing to business development. Position also includes some inside sales and suggestive selling. 

This is a hybrid role. Office is located in Pittsburgh.

Essential Functions:

• Represent Affinity in an ethical and professional manner.
• Provide favorable, continuous customer service.  Answer all questions and requests by using the tools provided. Follow through from start to finish on all questions and requests.
• Support all sales efforts set forth by the management staff, clients, and customers
• Support the Account Managers/Business Managers and in any way necessary to keep an open line of communication between the clients and customers
• Enter all orders into Foodmark system so Affinity is fully knowledgeable of orders, volume, invoices, and commissions.
• Cross-reference invoices with orders to be sure they are correct.  Take the necessary steps to reconcile if there is a problem with invoicing.
• Assist clients with deductions.
• Update Foodmark with precise information
• Answer phones, direct messages, monitor faxes.
• Maintain necessary mailings: ads, flyers, point of sale, etc.
• Order, monitor, pack and unpack samples.
• Maintain weekly communication with the buyers at assigned distributors.
• Report information regarding customers and market to the buyers at your assigned distributors
• Communicate all markets/customer information (includes market pricing) to Affinity
• Filing- electronic and hard copies
• Maintain and organize all information necessary to reconcile all commissions.
• Assist Controller with information and paperwork necessary to reconcile commissions, accounts receivables, or any other aspect of Affinity financials.
• Communicate all appropriate information to Management, Account Managers, Account Executives, and Co-workers.
• Utilize all training tools to become more product knowledgeable.
• Assist Account Managers on any issues that interfere with the placement or shipment of orders.  i.e. credit referrals, credit holds, late trucks or “no-show” trucks, expedites, etc.
• Respond in a timely manner to any request for information from management, clients and/or customers.
• Follow instructions provided by each individual client to ensure the best scenario.
• Keep market knowledgeable by listening and learning from clients, distributors, and customers.
• Follow through on important issues and orders to make sure the outcome is what you expected
• Other duties as assigned and requested.

Education and Experience:

• Previous customer service experience is a plus
• Experience in the retail or food service area is extremely advantageous

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Flexible and able to manage adversity and change.
• Microsoft office suite experience with emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong communication, influence, and problem-solving skills
• Basic Technology skills communicating through email, phone, and text messaging
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and committed to being the best.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 30lbs with or without help
• Inspection and moving of product in freezer and storage areas
• Normal office environment, desk position

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.