Sakata Seed America Hiring for Customer Service Representative at Woodland, CA Full Time

JOB SUMMARY: Support responsibilities for Sales Department. Responsible for customer service for NAFTA/International sales, sample requests and other inquiries. Responsible for processing commercial orders for assigned territory. Answers customer inquiries regarding seed availability and seed releases. Work on allocations and prorates. Provides back up for Team Members. Assist in training new hires.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Receives, researches and promptly answers customer inquiries regarding product, seed quality, pricing and availability. Proactively keeps customer updated on their booking, order status and shipment date. Sends customer a copy of the ship order with all details listed for their confirmation prior to preparing the order for shipment. Prepare sales s customized for Area Sales Managers and customer needs.
• Review bookings left to ship, spot orders and open orders. Determine seed availability for current orders and future orders. Assist with prorates on short inventory. View bookings versus inventory. You are required to be watchful to not over treat and to use up remnant lots whenever possible.
• Coordinate and assist with creating work-flow processes for International Distribution transactions with D365.
• Receives and answers inquiries and requests from customers (including SSC and its subsidiaries) regarding seed availability, seed quality and pricing.
• Select inventory lots that meet country/state and/or import permit requirements.
• Follow through and follow up to make sure orders are processed timely. Assist in prioritizing and resolving schedule conflicts when needed. Notify CSL when order processing schedule conflicts exist and cannot be worked out with other departments.
• Follow up on customer inquiries and researches to assure satisfactory completion. Must be able to provide technical product information, seed treatments and seed enhancement options to customers upon request.
• Resolves customer questions related to orders, seed releases, samples, seed availability delegates and takes orders as needed.
• Audits letters of credit, update customer profiles and country phytosanitary requirements. Keep current on country/state and international weed restrictions and customer requirements for palletization and shipping. Work closely with Quality/Lab and Documents/Inventory Planner to request grading, s of analysis and OIC’s per customer requirements. Request outside lab s when necessary.
• Performs other clerical duties, assists with s and performs other projects as assigned by the Customer Service Lead or Facility Operations Manager. Perform back-up duties and support for others in Customer Service. Have a working knowledge of all CSR assigned territories when needed for backup, so shipments will not be delayed.
• Work with Finance and the Sales staff to solve credit, incorrect pricing and seed return issues. Assist in the research and resolution of Product Inquiries (complaints).
• Work with Product Development Department (PD) Coordinator and International Sales Manager in the processing of trial sample orders as needed. CSR may be required to prepare custom tracking s for the PD Coordinator or Area Sales Managers as requested.
• Cross train within the department to learn internal processes, procedures and customer preferences associated with Sakata products.
• Attend at least one personal improvement seminar each year.
• Has the ability to negotiate prices for non-standard seed lots with the approval of Sales Management.
• Daily review of the Open Order to determine seed availability for current orders, back orders and future needs.
• Makes decisions and solves problems related to shipping options, wrong products, returned goods, discounts (within guidelines) and product substitutions.
• Reminds customers about ordering higher levels per invoice to achieve better terms.
• Proactively make customer calls to confirm shipment dates, discuss seed availability for spot orders, update contract status and support various Area Managers as required. Follow up with customer to confirm arrivals.
• Maintain a working knowledge of internal budgets and monthly sales goals.
• Prepares sales s customized for customers’ needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must have excellent telephone manner and speaking ability.
• Must have excellent word-processing skills, proficient in Word, Excel and other computer applications.
• Must be detail oriented and must be able to multi-task.
• Customer service or related experience required.
• Stay informed and current on international pesticide laws and requirements.
• Keep manager informed of issues developing.
• Seed experience, sales, and supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to assess the needs of the customer and work with the internal departments to assure the customer’s needs.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to work at a computer and computer keyboard for long periods of time.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $24-$28 per hour.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 – $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 1 year

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person