Sales Associate

Columbia Distributing

Posted about 2 months ago

Full Time

Olympia, Washington

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Sales Associate is responsible for selling, rotating, and merchandising products within assigned accounts while providing route relief for Sales Representatives. They must also maintain industry knowledge, manage inventory expenses, and submit accurate reporting on market activity.

Qualifications

You have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. You should be able to sell, merchandise, and maintain knowledge of industry products and trends, while also possessing strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Must Have Skills for ATS

beer

non-alcoholic

food journals

market share

hand truck

six wheeler

manual pallet jack

box cutter

Job Description

Sales Associates accomplish sales, merchandising and distribution goals by assisting the execution of business objectives and company initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Effectively sell, rotate and merchandise the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts.
  • Provide route relief for Sales Representatives as scheduled.
  • Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
  • Establish and maintain a high level of industry knowledge: beer, non-alcoholic, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
  • Maintain appropriate themed programs to meet supplier and company standards.
  • Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date.
  • Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy.
  • Understand and assist with MVP Standards.
  • Monitor competitive activity and communicate strategies.

Key Competencies

  • Strong sense of accountability
  • General knowledge of industry products.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Work Environment

Work indoors with frequent walking in customer accounts

Physical Demands

  • Lift/Carry and Push/Pull up to 50lbs
  • Bend/stoop/crouch/squat/use arms/wrists/hands/grasp.
  • Use of industry tools: hand truck, six wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter
  • Work indoors and outdoors.
  • Driving required

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.

Travel

Ability to travel throughout the day to customer accounts.

Required Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Valid driver's license and auto insurance required; Minimum of 21 years of age.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 1 year of previous beverage industry sales experience
 

Compensation

  • Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
  • Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
  • Hired applicant may be eligible for incentives/ bonuses/ annual bonuses.

Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: District Manager

Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets

Columbia Distributing

Columbia Distributing is one of the nation’s finest beer, cider, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage distributors since 1935. With our primary hubs are located in Kent, WA and Canby, OR, we distribute some of the best known brands in the beverage business. Today Columbia Distributing employs nearly 3,000 people and covers more than 135,000 square miles across Oregon and Washington. We were named “2015 Beer Wholesaler of the Year” by the leading beverage business trends magazine Market Watch. Columbia Distributing has also been named the winner of Beverage Wholesaler Magazine’s "Best Workforce Development Award" for 2025. Our success is based on the deep-rooted tradition of delivering quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for customers’ needs. This is achieved by providing ongoing, sustainable opportunities and growth for our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and communities. This national recognition is a powerful reflection of the effort we’re putting into developing our people, investing in leadership growth, and building a culture of continuous improvement. It’s also validation that what we’re doing internally is being noticed and celebrated across our industry. For more information on Columbia Distributing and career opportunities, please visit www.coldist.com.
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