Sales Assistant

About Oppy

Grow our tomorrow. Celebrating over 165 years in business, we are one of North America’s top fresh produce sales and marketing companies. We bring over 100 varieties of produce from more than 20 different countries to the market. Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the past 20 years and one of Canada’s (and BC’s) Top Employers, our business is managed by a team of dedicated professionals delivering exceptional service from over a dozen offices throughout North and South America. And, because a healthy planet is essential to our growers, customers, and all of us at Oppenheimer, sustainability plays a vital role in everything we do.

Recognized as a Top 100 Employer and Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 20 years!), our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Grow your tomorrow with us, today.

Overview

The Sales Assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting the department’s activities and contributing to the overall success of the company. Provides key assistance in developing and executing sales strategies and presentations, managing orders and inventory, handling administrative processes, and delivering customer service excellence through professional and courteous communication with internal and external stakeholders. Actively identifies customer needs, proposes solutions, and collaborates with various departments to ensure the seamless coordination of sales processes, from shipping and pricing to accounting and marketing. Exercises independent judgment and discretion in handling significant aspects of the sales process, particularly those related to internal business operations, customer relationship management, and process improvements. Stays informed of industry trends, sales tools, and technologies and contributes to identifying sales opportunities while generating accurate reports for analysis. Upholds the company’s core values, promotes a customer-focused and team-oriented culture, and seeks continuous professional growth by staying current on best practices in sales techniques and tools. During absences or as assigned, the Sales Assistant may also assume additional responsibilities related to key accounts, deals, or categories, exercising discretion and decision-making authority as needed.

The expected base salary range of this position is $50,000 – $60,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position based in our U.S. and Canada office locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by various factors including location, job-related skills, relevant experience, education, formal training, and internal equity.

Accountabilities

Supports the sales department in planning and executing sales strategies, including developing presentations, managing order entry, and administering inventory processes; exercises discretion and independent judgment to ensure these activities align with the company’s strategic sales goals and business objectives.

Oversees and ensures the completion of sales-related paperwork, such as order entries, invoicing, final pricing, customs/border documentation, and troubleshooting files, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows for improved process efficiency.

Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders by answering inquiries, identifying customer needs, and proposing solutions; uses independent judgment to resolve concerns in ways that align with both the company’s business interests and customer satisfaction.

Assists in providing sales support to existing customers, solicits new customers, and delivers sales presentations as required; may sell company products and services in accordance with established sales targets, once proficient in core business knowledge.

Identifies and evaluates sales opportunities by monitoring industry trends, staying informed of sales strategies, and recognizing new markets or customer segments; analyzes sales data to provide insights that guide decision-making and inform the development of effective sales tactics.

Generates and analyzes sales reports using sales tools and technologies to support analysis and performance tracking; offers data-driven recommendations to the sales team by using judgment to highlight actionable insights that influence company sales strategies and performance.

Collaborates cross-functionally with various departments, including shipping, pricing, accounting, marketing, and quality control, to resolve issues and ensure smooth sales processes; applies discretion and problem-solving skills to address challenges in cross-functional interactions and optimize business outcomes.

Liaises with quality control, inventory control, transportation, and operations staff to stay informed about company products, related services, and applicable standards and procedures.

Promotes and drives a customer-focused, cooperative, and team-oriented culture in alignment with the company’s core values, acting as a key brand representative in customer and stakeholder interactions while making decisions that support company values and foster long-term relationships.

Continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and skill development, actively participating in training programs and staying abreast of sales techniques and best practices.

May temporarily assume leadership responsibilities related to key accounts, deals, or categories during absences, exercising judgment and autonomy in managing these duties to ensure continuity of sales operations and effective decision-making.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

Strong understanding of the principles and methods for promoting and selling products and services, including exercising discretion in sales techniques, customer relationship management, and administrative processes that directly impact business operations.

Knowledge of the produce retail, wholesale, and foodservice markets, as well as industry trends, concepts, and standards to independently assess and identify opportunities for growth or improvement is an asset.

Knowledge of the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA) and its regulations with the ability to apply this knowledge in decision-making to ensure compliance with all applicable laws is an asset.

Knowledge of MS Applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook to independently manage and analyze sales data, presentations, and communications in support of strategic decision-making.

Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to independently communicate complex information, including active listening and the effective transmission of ideas to diverse audiences.

Proven ability to independently build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues. Demonstrated ability to use judgment to exceed customer expectations and foster a customer-focused culture in alignment with the company’s core values, guiding principles, and goals.

Exceptional time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to set priorities, meet target goals, and make autonomous decisions in a fast-paced sales environment.

Ability to independently work under pressure and make sound decisions in challenging situations to resolve issues.

Demonstrable integrity and trust in all activities, with the ability to work with a high level of discretion and confidentiality when making decisions.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve issues using sound judgment and creative thinking.

Willingness to travel as needed to build and maintain strategic customer relationships and meet sales goals.

Required Qualifications

Degree, diploma in business with a focus on sales and marketing; specific training in agribusiness or related industry courses is an asset.

Minimum, 1 – 3 years of relevant sales experience, including administrative, customer service and sales processes.

Why Work for Oppy?

We are an established leader in the fresh produce industry, continuously working to improve, innovate and disrupt the norm. Oppy is a place where you are encouraged to contribute and can have a meaningful impact.

We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other. We want our people to grow and succeed.

We offer a hybrid work model with a mix of in-office and at-home work arrangements.

We offer a competitive total compensation package that includes a full benefits package, lifestyle spending account, continuing educational support and more!

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.