Sales Assistant - Edward Don & Company - Auburn, WA

Role Overview

The Sales Assistant role at Edward Don & Company, a division of Sysco, is a crucial administrative support position that directly contributes to the success of the West Coast Sales Team. Based in Auburn, WA, this role involves a blend of customer service, order processing, and communication tasks, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional service for both internal and external customers. The Sales Assistant supports the sales force by providing quotes, researching orders, utilizing company systems, and addressing customer inquiries, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and efficiency.

A Day in the Life of a Sales Assistant

Each day as a Sales Assistant is dynamic and varied, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

• Morning: Start by reviewing emails and prioritizing tasks. Address urgent customer inquiries and order-related issues. Follow up on any pending Factory Direct Orders to ensure timely deliveries.
• Mid-Day: Prepare quotes for customers using the DON Auto Quote System or MS Excel. Process stock and non-stock orders, coordinating with Purchasing to confirm delivery times. Communicate with Sales Representatives about the status of orders, returns, and credit issues.
• Afternoon: Update and maintain databases, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of information for all users. Work with vendor representatives to obtain pricing, lead times, and shipping information. Assist in the coordination of pre-packs and new installations, monitoring orders from start to finish.
• Ongoing: Troubleshoot and resolve customer issues, ensuring customer satisfaction. Make select customer calls to support re-supply business. Keep the District Sales Manager informed of any pertinent issues within the area of responsibility.

Why Auburn, WA?

Auburn, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city access, making it an attractive location for professionals. Here’s why working in Auburn is appealing:

• Location: Situated in the heart of the Puget Sound region, Auburn provides easy access to Seattle, Tacoma, and the Cascade Mountains. This allows for a balanced lifestyle, combining career opportunities with outdoor recreation.
• Community: Auburn is a growing and diverse community with a strong sense of local pride. The city hosts numerous community events, fostering a welcoming environment for residents and professionals alike.
• Affordability: Compared to Seattle, Auburn offers a more affordable cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. This can be a significant advantage for those looking to build a career and establish roots in the area.
• Recreation: Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Auburn’s proximity to numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas. From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, there’s something for everyone.
• Career Opportunities: Auburn is home to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Working at Edward Don & Company in Auburn provides a stable career path with opportunities for growth within Sysco.

Career Path for a Sales Assistant

The Sales Assistant role is an excellent starting point for a career within Sysco and Edward Don & Company. The position provides exposure to various aspects of the sales process, customer service, and supply chain management. Potential career paths include:

• Sales Representative: With proven performance and a strong understanding of customer needs, a Sales Assistant can advance to a Sales Representative role, managing a portfolio of accounts and driving sales growth.
• Account Manager: Building on sales experience, an Account Manager focuses on maintaining and growing relationships with key accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• District Sales Manager: This leadership role involves overseeing a team of Sales Representatives and Account Managers, developing sales strategies, and achieving sales targets.
• Customer Service Manager: With a focus on customer satisfaction and issue resolution, a Customer Service Manager leads a team of customer service representatives, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Operations Management: A strong understanding of order processing and logistics can lead to opportunities in operations management, overseeing the efficient flow of goods and services.

Salary & Benefits

While the exact salary may vary based on experience and qualifications, the compensation range for a Sales Assistant in Auburn, WA, is competitive. In addition to the base salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to ensure your well-being.
• Retirement Plan: A 401(k) retirement plan with a company match to help you save for the future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off and holiday benefits to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Access to a variety of employee discount programs to save money on everyday purchases.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Wellness Programs: Resources and programs to support your physical and mental health.

Sysco Culture

Sysco is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. The company fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. Employees are encouraged to share ideas, take initiative, and contribute to the company’s success. Sysco also emphasizes giving back to the community through volunteer programs and charitable initiatives.

How to Apply

To apply for the Sales Assistant position at Edward Don & Company in Auburn, WA, visit the Sysco Careers website. Search for the job title and location, and follow the online application instructions. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate your passion for customer service and administrative support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Sales Assistant?

   The Sales Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to the sales team, processing orders, preparing quotes, managing customer inquiries, and coordinating logistics.

2. What skills are required for this position?

   The required skills include strong administrative, customer service, and communication skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP.

3. Is experience in the foodservice industry necessary?

   While experience in the foodservice industry is preferred, it is not required. Strong administrative and customer service skills are the most important qualifications.

4. What opportunities are there for career advancement?

   The Sales Assistant role can lead to various career paths within Sysco, including Sales Representative, Account Manager, and District Sales Manager.

5. What is the company culture like at Sysco?

   Sysco fosters a diverse and inclusive culture that values teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

6. What benefits does Sysco offer?

   Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, employee discounts, and professional development opportunities.

7. What is the work environment like in Auburn, WA?

   Auburn offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city access, with a growing and diverse community and a range of recreational opportunities.

8. How can I prepare for the interview?

   Review the job description carefully, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and prepare examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles.

9. What is the dress code for the Sales Assistant position?

   The dress code is typically business casual.

10. Who should I contact if I have questions about the application process?

    You can contact the Sysco HR department for assistance with the application process.