Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 exceeded $12.0 billion.
This position is a Fresh Sales position that will eventually bridge to a hybrid role between sales support in the office and scheduled job functions at our Member grocery locations supporting our programs and initiatives. Position requires clear understanding of all aspects of meat/seafood, produce, bakery/deli including procurement, receiving, shipping, routing, and selling methods that allow the fresh departments to successfully support our member retailers in accordance with our Mission Statement.
Salary Range $65-85,000
Territory includes CO, NE, KS, WY. Preferred residence in Eastern Colorado.
Essential Functions:
- Provide excellent customer service by supporting retailers via phone, e-mail, internal documents.
- THIS IS A REMOTE POSITION WITH 75% TRAVEL REQUIRED.
- Assist in resolve Fresh Department quality issues by working with the division procurement teams and warehouse.
- Complete understanding of the in-house process of our fresh assistants and help in creating a process of determining positions of need, over-coverage and unifying the voice of the fresh depts.
- Use skills learned as a liaison at Retail supporting our member stores
- Work with Director of Fresh and Division VP on development of daily, weekly and period reporting
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Important Functions:
- Develop relationships with retailers as necessary to ensure they are receiving the attention required and questions are being answered for them to be successful.
- Assist division sales departments in disposing of and selling of outdated, damaged and discontinued products per company procedures and established shrink objectives.
- Responding to daily phone, email and text requests from member/owners to rectify issues and concerns related to promotional products, programs, special event planning and special requests.
- Work as a member of the AWG team so the total job responsibilities are met. Actions must always stress a sense of cooperation, integrity, tact and consideration with our members, associates and division management.
- This position requires strong communication and computer skills with the ability to use and learn new technology. Management will be kept informed on planning, analysis, work performed and results. All records required by management must be complete, accurate and submitted on time.
- This position must work to streamline processes whenever applicable and always strive for complete, accurate and verified documentation of all processes to ensure adequate training for future associates
- This position would eventually require occasional travel to member retail stores.
- Work all food shows, special Customer events and AWG events.
- Visit key markets with supervision on a consistent basis to stay informed of competitive and market trends.
- Complete in a timely fashion the required reporting and analysis as required by the Director of Fresh Sales or Division VP
- Able and willing to apply the team approach when working with other AWG departments including procurement and merchandising personnel. Professional demeanor in communication and conduct with other employees, member staff and external vendors is required. Must be able to function independently with little direct supervision. Strong and effective communication skills are required.
- Other special projects as assigned.
Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Abilities:
- Must be able to work successfully in a cross functional team environment
- Must work independently and develop/manage own schedule
- Must possess critical thinking and business process analytical skills
- Must be able to work/travel on variable shifts as required
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, perform mathematical calculations. Must possess good team-building and motivational skills, planning and organizational abilities.
Experience, Education and Training:
- Retail Grocery Experience, specifically Fresh departements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient knowledge of MS Suite required
- BA Degree in Business, Marketing or Accounting preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Perform bending, squatting, sitting, and reaching from floor level to six feet in height.
- Must be able to move throughout various buildings, conduct training at retail sites, load and unload materials and equipment.
- Must be able to lift or move at least 25 pounds and move product as needed.
- Must be able to sit in a car for long periods of time.
- Must be able to travel by car both day and night.
Working Environment:
- On a full-time basis, standard office environment.
- Additional time spent in a grocery store environment.
- Occasional overnight travel.
- Must have the flexibility and ability to work nontraditional hours as needed (before and after normal office hours and weekends).
- Miscellaneous Requirements:
Must have valid driver's license
Must live in territory served
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: On the road
