Route Sales Rep/Customer Care Rep - Valley View, OH

Sara Lee Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, brand-name products for consumers throughout the world. The Corporation has operations in 58 countries and markets branded products in nearly 200 nations. Sara Lee Corporation employs 137,000 people worldwide.Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the world.  The company has one of the world's best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food, beverage, household and body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee, and Senseo.  Collectively, these brands generate more than $12 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200 countries.  The Sara Lee community consists of 52,000 employees worldwide. 
Position Summary: Responsible for delivering our products to our customers (foodservice operators) and delivering a high level of customer care as defined in our specialty distribution value proposition.  Create customer retention by creating customer loyalty.  This is done by providing consistent, on-time delivery, outstanding customer service and value based promotional selling for assigned route.Employee is expected to follow all Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and company policies and procedures and have current permits and insurance papers in commercial vehicle at all times.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Serve as the primary interface with the customer.  Responsible for building relationships which includes providing excellent customer service, placing customer orders and resolving customer issues.  Accountable for ensuring high customer retention.  Anticipate customer needs and works with Supply Chain to order products for delivery. Sell allied products in order to grow gross profit in existing accounts.  Responsible for merchandising at the customer location. Work with customers who are delinquent in payment to collect past dues and improve days sales outstanding (DSO).Performance of physical tasks and use of commercial vehicles to deliver SLCT products to multiple, scheduled customers within a defined area.  Conduct pre-trip vehicle safety inspection.  Deliver products in a safe and timely manner to customer locations.  Load and unload required product onto trucks or dock location by hand or by use of mechanical devices.  Maintain accurate inventory of product on the truck.  Determine optimum truck load configuration, taking into consideration such factors as weight, dimensions, center of gravity, and sequence of delivery.  Must maintain compliance with applicable federal/state regulatory requirements.Troubleshoot and conduct basic preventative maintenance/ equipment service by making minor adjustments and repairs when delivering the product.  Schedule more complicated service requirements for the customer with the SLCT call center.High school diploma or equivalent Ability to frequently lift and carry products weighing approximately 50 lbsAbility to work over 40 hours per weekPossess a valid driver's license and a safe driving recordMust comply with State and Federal mandated requirements of controlled substances & alcohol testing  Must be knowledgeable about and understand current Department of Transportation regulationsAbility to work independently and as a team player in addition to making good business decisions independentlyAbility to provide a high level of customer service and solve customer issues as they ariseWilling to work overtime as business demandsAn Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer