Arthur Clesen Inc., the leading turf and ornamental supply company in Chicago, is looking to hire a motivated individual for a Field Sales Representative position in the Chicago area.  This is a sales positon that primarily focuses on customers within the landscape, lawn care and arborist professions.  Other customers include athletic field managers, park supervisors, commercial/residential property managers, cemetery caretakers, nursery & greenhouse managers and snow removal contractors.  Furthermore, the candidate we are seeking should be articulate, organized and possess a strong social aptitude that will help develop long lasting relationships with his/her clientele.  This candidate must also be proficient in presenting and very knowledgeable in the various turf & ornamental products and services we sell to our customers.   

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Travels throughout assigned territory to call on regular and prospective customers and solicit orders

• Displays or demonstrates products using samples, catalogs, tech sheets or other sales tools to emphasize features and benefits on each call

• Quotes selling price and credit terms for orders obtained

• Stays informed on new products, pricing, and other general information

• Responsible for collections on all accounts

• Ensures proper service and follow-up on all customer accounts

• Maintains daily contact with internal departments, customers, vendor reps, and other outside sources as required

• Checks on competitive sales and pricing activity

• Acts as a consultant to provide advice and guidance to customers in relation to their requirements

• Develops specific sales and pricing objectives for each account

• Possesses a thorough working knowledge and understanding of the customer and company order cycles

• Possesses a thorough knowledge of standards and goals needed to achieve/maintain territory objectives

• Ensure that presentations and selling ideas are made to all persons who have an influence on the purchase of products

• Ensure that all customers have an assigned frequency of sales contact and that assigned frequencies are maintained in the weekly call plan

• Contacts customers on a regularly scheduled basis to achieve maximum vertical penetration

• Communicates account activity to maintain a high level of follow through with credit, collections, and adjustments

• Prepares sales estimates and forecasts when required and on a timely basis

• Develops and maintains an active prospect list

• Attends and participates in sales meetings

• Maintains daily communication with Director of Sales, reviews sales targets and discusses initiatives/progress in assigned territory

• Consistently prospects for new business

• Other duties as assigned 

 

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Visionary

• Good Planning Skills

• Organized

• Ability to Adapt

• Self Motivated

• Challenge Seeker

• Result Oriented

• Problem Solver

• Knowledge Seeker

 

WORK EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum one year of job related experience from any of the following positions:  Field Sales Representative, Customer Service Sales, Sports Turf Manager, Golf Course Superintendent, Lawn/Landscape/Arborist Supervisor or related supervisory experience

• or Minumum three years as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

• Must possess a valid drivers license

 

EDUCATION REQUIRMENTS

• A two year Associates Degree or four year Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution.  Prefer degree in any Earth Sciences:  Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, etc. 

 

DESIRED SKILL AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have the ability to operate a PC in order to utilize order entry software, e-mail software and Microsoft office products, specifically MS Word, Excel

• Ability to learn broad and specific knowledge of the organization's products, services and marketing techniques is required

• Must possess excellent customer service skills

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary + commission, health insurance and retirement savings plan with company match and profit sharing

• Expense reimbursement

 

 

 

Send Resume To:

 

Arthur Clesen Inc

Matt Kinnard - Director of Sales

635 Margate Drive

Lincolnshire, IL 60069

or

matt@clesenproturf.com