Route Sales Representative (Retail + Warehouse)

Route Sales Representative (Retail + Warehouse)

Sarris Candies is proud to provide high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers and retail partners.

We are seeking a dependable, organized, and self-motivated Retail Account & Warehouse Representative to support our growing Columbus market. This is a hands-on field position responsible for servicing retail accounts throughout the Columbus area while also managing the day-to-day operation of our local warehouse hub.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, building relationships with store personnel, merchandising products, managing inventory, and keeping a small warehouse organized and operating efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Account & Merchandising

• Service assigned retail accounts throughout the Columbus market.
• Merchandise Sarris products according to company standards, including product placement, facing, planogram execution, and rotation.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with store managers and key retail personnel.
• Write and manage orders based on store demand, inventory levels, promotions, and seasonal programs.
• Scan and submit orders to headquarters and prepare orders for fulfillment and delivery.
• Set up, maintain, and refresh displays, racks, and fixtures for everyday and seasonal programs.
• Monitor product performance, including top sellers, slow-moving items, out-of-stocks, and competitive activity.
• Communicate assortment and sales opportunities to the DSD Sales Manager.
• Support promotions and seasonal transitions through timely merchandising and inventory planning.
• Respond promptly and professionally to store questions, concerns, and delivery discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate delivery paperwork, invoices, credits, and other required documentation.

Warehouse & Inventory

• Manage the day-to-day organization and operation of the Columbus warehouse hub.
• Maintain a clean, secure, organized, and food-safe warehouse environment.
• Receive inbound shipments, verify product counts, and properly store inventory.
• Maintain an organized location system for approximately 20 pallets of inventory.
• Monitor required warehouse temperature and humidity conditions and promptly report any issues.
• Manage FIFO, lot/date control, damaged product, and credits to minimize product loss.
• Perform routine cycle counts and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Coordinate inventory and inbound freight needs with headquarters to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
• Follow all company food safety, sanitation, pest-control, and security procedures.

Van & Delivery

• Pick, pack, and load the company van for scheduled service days.
• Keep the company van clean, organized, stocked, and ready for daily use.
• Safely transport products to assigned retail locations.
• Load and unload product and assist with stocking and display setup at customer locations.
• Maintain responsibility for the condition and organization of the company vehicle.

What We're Looking For

• Dependable, organized, and able to work effectively without daily on-site supervision.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Comfortable taking ownership of both an assigned retail route and a small warehouse operation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adjust to changing store and inventory needs.
• Professional appearance and ability to represent Sarris Candies positively with customers and retail partners.
• Willingness to work additional hours, including occasional weekends or holidays, when seasonal business needs require.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in DSD, route sales, CPG merchandising, grocery/convenience retail, distribution, or small-warehouse operations preferred.
• Must live within approximately 30 minutes of the Columbus metro area.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check consistent with company policy.
• Comfortable independently opening and closing a small warehouse, loading a vehicle, and servicing retail accounts.
• Basic inventory management skills, including counting, FIFO, and inventory tracking.
• Comfortable learning company systems and using basic spreadsheets or handheld technology.
• Food-handling, warehouse sanitation, or food-safety experience preferred.
• ServSafe or similar certification is a plus.
• Experience with confectionery, chocolate, or other temperature-sensitive food products is a plus.
• Existing relationships within the Columbus grocery or convenience-store market are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate a company van or delivery vehicle for extended periods.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to load and unload cases, stock shelves, and set up displays.
• Ability to safely use a pallet jack.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
• Ability to work in a conditioned warehouse, retail environments, and occasionally outdoors while loading or making deliveries.
• Ability to visually inspect products and read labels, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
• Regular local travel throughout the assigned service area is required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and sick time
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company vehicle provided for business travel
• Employee discount
• Paid holidays

What Success Looks Like

Success in this position means retail accounts are in stock, displays are properly maintained, inventory is accurate, product is stored correctly, and deliveries leave the Columbus hub loaded and on time.

This position plays an important role in representing Sarris Candies in the Columbus market and ensuring that both the retail route and local warehouse operation run smoothly and efficiently each day.