Experienced Customer Service Representative for Remote Position in West Coast Region – Delivering Exceptional Support and Building Strong Relationships with blithequark Customers

Introduction to blithequark and the Role

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on being a customer-centric organization that values the importance of providing top-notch service to our clients. As a leader in our industry, we understand that our customers are the backbone of our business, and it's our mission to ensure their needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and care. We are seeking an experienced Customer Service Representative to join our team in a remote capacity, based in the PST or MST time zones. As a key member of our customer service team, you will serve as a direct liaison between our customers, sales representatives, and various internal departments, assisting in processing orders, handling complaints, and resolving billing issues, among other customer inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical role, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Processing orders received via fax, EDI, email, and phone, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment of customer requests
• Verifying pricing and shipping dates within 24 hours of receipt, maintaining order guides and pricing in our software system, and proactively communicating with production and warehouse teams to avoid potential customer shortages
• Tracking order fulfillment and communicating with customers regarding any shortages, providing information on when products will be available or suggesting substitute items as needed
• Collaborating with the accounting department to resolve credit issues and release orders, as well as processing PO change requests, returns, and samples
• Handling customer issues and complaints in a professional and courteous manner, referring issues to the appropriate department and logging them into our system, and following up to ensure resolution
• Communicating regularly with sales, supply chain, production, logistics, and warehousing teams to ensure our customers' needs are met, and assisting the sales department in growing customer business
• Organizing work to meet deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A high school diploma, with an associate's or bachelor's degree preferred
• 2-3 years of experience in a customer service role, preferably in the grocery, food, or retail channels
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook, as well as experience working with Sage X3 or other similar ERP systems
• Familiarity with EDI transaction sets and the ability to learn new systems and processes quickly
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, remaining calm under pressure and working with a high sense of urgency
• Dependable, results-oriented, and self-directed, with the ability to work well independently or in a team environment
• Organized, with high attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through, as well as above-average communication and interpersonal skills
• Skilled in problem-solving, research, and time management, with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

While not required, the following qualifications and skills are preferred:

• Experience working in a remote or virtual team environment
• Knowledge of the grocery, food, or retail industries, including trends, challenges, and best practices
• Certifications or training in customer service, such as CSR or CCR, or other relevant designations
• Proficiency in additional software systems or tools, such as CRM or project management platforms
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues who speak different languages

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees, providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement. As a customer service representative, you will have the chance to develop your skills and knowledge in a dynamic and supportive environment, with access to:

• Comprehensive training programs, including onboarding, product knowledge, and soft skills development
• Mentorship and coaching from experienced colleagues and leaders
• Opportunities for career advancement, including promotions, lateral moves, and special projects
• Professional development assistance, including tuition reimbursement, conference attendance, and certification programs
• A culture of continuous learning, with regular feedback, performance evaluations, and goal-setting

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and inclusive company culture, which values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a remote employee, you will be part of a virtual team that is collaborative, supportive, and committed to delivering exceptional results. Our work environment is characterized by:

• A comfortable and ergonomic home workspace, with the necessary equipment and tools to perform your job duties
• A culture of open communication, transparency, and feedback, with regular team meetings and check-ins
• A dynamic and fast-paced environment, with opportunities for growth, development, and innovation
• A commitment to work-life balance, with flexible scheduling and remote work arrangements
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, including:

• A hourly salary range of $25-$32 per hour, with a 5% annual bonus potential
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off
• Professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and career advancement
• Employee wellness programs, including access to fitness classes, mental health resources, and employee assistance programs
• A referral program, with incentives for referring friends and colleagues to join our team
• A remote work arrangement, with the flexibility to work from home and create a comfortable and productive workspace

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and customer-focused individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional service and building strong relationships, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team at blithequark. As a customer service representative, you will play a critical role in our organization, working closely with customers, sales representatives, and internal departments to ensure the highest level of service and support. With a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth and development, this is an ideal role for someone who is looking to take their career to the next level and make a meaningful contribution to a dynamic and innovative organization. Apply today to join our team and start your journey with blithequark!