Inside Sales Manager

$100,000 - $120,000/Yr

Sakata Seed America - Woodland, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Woodland, CA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Inside Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing the Vegetable Sales Department, ensuring excellent customer service, processing commercial orders, and managing sample requests. This role involves direct interaction with customers to address inquiries about seed availability and pricing, as well as supervising customer service staff to maintain high service standards.

Responsibilities

• Receive, research, and answer customer inquiries regarding products, prices, and services.
• Quote pricing, negotiate special deals, and close sales.
• Send price quotations to customers to confirm orders prior to shipment.
• Manage vegetable and flower seed samples for domestic and international customers.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing Agent to order necessary seeds.
• Follow up on customer inquiries to ensure satisfactory completion.
• Provide technical product information and seed enhancement options to customers.
• Resolve customer questions related to orders, seed releases, and availability.
• Write up orders and mail catalogs, samples, and price quotations to customers.
• Assist with reports and perform other projects as assigned by sales management.
• Support marketing with promotional mailings and customer correspondence.
• Process annual contracts and assist the Finance Department with order processing and credit issues.
• Cross-train within the department to learn internal processes and customer preferences.
• Make periodic visits to assigned customers to improve relations and communications.
• Attend personal improvement seminars annually.
• Assist in Flower Pack Trials, Cut Flower Trials, and Vegetable Field Days.
• Negotiate prices for non-standard seed lots with management approval.
• Review the Open Order Report to determine seed availability for orders and back orders.
• Make decisions related to shipping options, product returns, and discounts.
• Proactively call customers to confirm shipment dates and discuss seed availability.
• Maintain knowledge of internal budgets and monthly sales goals.
• Prepare customized sales reports for customers.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in business, marketing, agriculture, or a related subject, or equivalent training and experience.
• Minimum eight years of sales and/or customer service experience required.
• Excellent telephone manner and speaking ability.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and other computer applications.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as faxes, printers, and copy machines.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task in a high-stress environment.
• Strong character traits including emotional stability, adaptability, and honesty.

Nice-to-haves

• Seed experience is preferred but not required.
• Sales experience is preferred but not required.

Benefits

• 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.