Sales Support Specialist I

Job Responsibility: Imperial Dade Canada, leading national distributor, has a job opening in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. A Sales Support Specialist is responsible for providing support to the Customer Experience Professional teams and customers during the sales process. A Sales Support Specialist (SSS) acts as a resource for the Customer Experience teams and provides coaching, direction, and support to them. Additionally, the SSS identifies workflow improvements to enhance the team's efficiency. The SSS will contribute to complex aspects of a project and will generally work independently although is collaborative in nature. A SSS will maintain a high level of product and segment base knowledge and will utilize expertise by providing alternative product solutions or recommendations in competitive situations. SSSs are required to create and maintain a strong relationship with customers & suppliers, existing and new. An SSS can perform Customer Experience Professional responsibilities and should possess exceptional knowledge of the industry and organization and will typically have been with the company for at least 5+ years.

Imperial Dade is the leading distributor of foodservice packaging, facilities maintenance supplies and equipment in the U.S and Canada. As a provider of customized supply chain solutions, the company serves customers in many business-to-business market segments including supermarkets, healthcare facilities, universities, and restaurants. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in New Jersey, Imperial Dade serves more than 80,000 customers through a footprint of 80+ branches.

Responsibilities:

• Has successfully mastered CXSP responsibilities and may perform in this capacity.
• Recommends changes in process and procedures based on customer feedback.
• RFP & bid qualification & product cost negotiation.
• Engage and collaborate with Sourcing Specialists and Category Management regarding sourcing/replacing inventory to support the business strategy.
  • Facilitate spend analysis and risk assessment on regional suppliers as needed.
  • Calculation of turn & earn and facilitation of approval process.
• Provide alternative product solutions or recommendations.
• Maintain and place customer specific orders (W & K status orders). Action variances.
• Responsible for the most profitable, complex, and high-profile customers & accounts.
• Facilitate Customer Dedicated Inventory Agreements.
• Coach, on-board & training new Sales Support staff and new customer accounts.
• Implement and lead departmental initiatives and training requirements.
• Solves a range of complex problems; analyzes possible solutions using standard operating procedures. Act as intermediary between internal and external stakeholders.
• Process supplier sample requests & process defective goods claims.
• Setup Bill & Hold agreements.
• Action Proof Of Delivery requests.
• Prepare quotes for new and existing items. Identify price & negotiate cost reduction.
• Direct & Indirect PO placement with vendor; obtain cost components and/or freight.
• Month end closure/billing with Payables/Accounting; invoice discrepancies.
• Forecast adjustments, new item creation/codes; enter & update Product Activity Form
• Generate reports to support the sales effort and prepare customer presentations.
• Maintain high level of product & segment knowledge; maintain customer database.
• Consistently achieve performance goals as set out by management.
• Assist in the depletion of Dead & Excess (D&E) inventory and manage consignment.
• Recommend and implement unique customer programs
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Professional & mature image and is positive influence amongst peers & colleagues.
• Exceptional customer experience skills and communication skills.
• High level of detail & quality of work output - low error rate.
• Proven ability to excel in a challenging and fast paced environment.
• Proven ability to recognize and resolve issues independently (minimal supervision).
• Proven ability to consistently achieve performance goals as set out by management.
• Strong time management and organizational skills - speed, flexibility, and agility.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and customer focused mindset.
• Demonstrates a collaborative and influential approach when working with others.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and see an issue through until the end.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn and to take on new tasks.
• Exceptional computer proficiency on a variety of systems including but not limited to: Salesforce.com, Compass, IT Suite, InfoSource, Microsoft Office Suite, Crystal, Imperial Dade Freight, Tripsheet, Track POD, & ADP.
• Proven ability to develop training materials, presentations & coaching to peers.
• Ability to diffuse sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy - good negotiation skills.
• Consistently exhibits a high level of motivation and exceptional follow-up.
• Strong team player with all departments and adheres to Imperial Dade's core values.
• Exceptional understanding of Imperial Dade products, services, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to identify and escalate issues to management team or related departments.
• Contribute to providing a safe work environment
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 5 years + experience in related field strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, people, and diplomacy skills are required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
• Understanding of replenishment systems and sourcing processes and tools preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of distribution industry with direct experience in distribution.

Working/Other Conditions:

• Hybrid work model.
• Indoor office environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Prolong periods of sitting, and computer and phone use.

At Imperial Dade, we offer an exciting environment in which to work, learn, and grow professionally. We are excited to continue to invite talented individuals with a passion for excellence to join our team. As a family-owned and operated company, we value our people and strive to create rewarding career opportunities by offering competitive salaries and benefits, Pension, Life Insurance, and a generous Paid Time Off Package.

Imperial Dade is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. If you require any support in the application process, including disability accommodation, please contact View email address on ca.edajobs.com, or call View phone number on ca.edajobs.com.