Bulk Account Merchandiser

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Bulk Account Merchandiser

🔹 Company: CONA Services

🔹 Location: Athens, Ohio

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Selling, ordering, and presenting products to customers
• Managing an assigned group of customers on daily routes
• Executing promotions and new products based on target lists and commercial plans
• Merchandising products and packages using safe handling techniques
• Fostering business relationships with store personnel

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of physical activity and may involve lifting heavy objects. It also demands strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage, sell, and execute in an assigned group of customers on daily, pre-set routes

✅ Generate sales orders based on the assigned delivery frequency for each customer

✅ Execute applicable promotions and new products based on target lists and commercial plans

✅ Fill, merchandise, and rotate products on display and the shelf according to procedures and special programs

✅ Organize and maintain the back room by stacking and arranging product by package and flavor

✅ Create and distribute point-of-sale materials on display and shelve where permitted

✅ Foster business relationship with store personnel through routine follow-up on requests, proactive pricing, special programs, new opportunities, and upcoming activities discussions

✅ Identify and communicate any competitive issues or market activities that could impact the business

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong focus on customer service, sales, and merchandising. It also involves a significant amount of driving and physical labor.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High School Education / GED

Experience: None specified

Required Skills:

• Valid instate driver’s license
• Excellent driving history
• Proof of insurance policy to verify current coverage of liability and property damage
• Effective communication skills
• Prior customer service experience preferred in a retail setting
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment
• Critical thinking skills

Preferred Skills:

• Secondary education beyond high school
• High initiative and willingness to learn
• Career-mindedness and a highly competitive nature

ASSUMPTION: While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement, candidates with additional education or relevant experience may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $134.40 - $168.00 per day, depending on experience

Benefits:

• Paid Training
• Paid Time Off plus paid holidays
• 401(k) with Company matching on a dollar-for-dollar basis
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Group Health Insurance – Medical, Dental, Vision & Disability
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling based on route assignments

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job description and industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on individual factors such as experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: CONA Services is an IT services company focused on providing advantaged business process and IT services to North American Coca-Cola Bottlers.

Company Size: CONA Services has 51-200 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized company culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: CONA Services was founded in 2016 as a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and its North American bottlers.

Company Description:

• CONA Services is a shared services company that provides IT solutions and business process management to North American Coca-Cola Bottlers.
• The company's mission is to provide advantaged business process and IT services to its members at the right costs to ultimately support those who are selling Coke everyday – “By the Bottlers for the Bottlers”.
• CONA Services is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on serving the North American market.

Company Specialties:

• Information Technology
• Beverage Industry Solutions
• Business Process Management
• Customer Solutions
• Manufacturing Solutions

Company Website: www.conaservices.com

ASSUMPTION: CONA Services is a growing company with a focus on providing innovative IT solutions to the beverage industry. Applicants should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and have a strong interest in technology and business process management.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the sales and business development field. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Bulk Account Merchandiser reports directly to the Sales Manager or a similar role within the company.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a work arrangement that involves daily route management and customer interactions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Sales Manager or similar role within the company
• Expansion of responsibilities and territory as the company grows
• Potential opportunities in other departments, such as IT or business process management, based on individual skills and interests

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement within the company, particularly for individuals who demonstrate strong sales performance and a commitment to customer service.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: CONA Services operates a hybrid work environment, with employees spending a significant portion of their time in the field and a smaller portion in the office.

Office Location(s): Athens, Ohio

Geographic Context:

• Athens is a city in southeastern Ohio with a population of approximately 33,000 people.
• The city is home to Ohio University and has a vibrant arts and culture scene.
• The cost of living in Athens is relatively low compared to other cities in the region.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is primarily daytime hours, with some flexibility based on route assignments and customer needs.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a hybrid work environment and have a strong preference for on-site work. They should also be comfortable working in a college town with a younger population and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the team
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales skills and customer service experience
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Willingness to work in a physically demanding environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales experience, customer service skills, and any relevant experience with merchandising or product management.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to customer service and sales, as well as your ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
• Demonstrate your familiarity with the company and its mission by researching CONA Services and the broader Coca-Cola system.

ATS Keywords: Bulk Account Merchandiser, Sales, Customer Service, Merchandising, Product Management, Coca-Cola, CONA Services

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on sales and customer service skills. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Route optimization software
• Sales management software
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Merchandising and display software

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary based on the company's current systems and processes. Applicants should be comfortable learning and adapting to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-focused
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Respectful

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Results-driven and focused on performance
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment?
• Are you comfortable working independently and managing your own schedule?
• Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on customer service?
• Are you comfortable working with a diverse team and adapting to change?

ASSUMPTION: CONA Services values employees who are customer-focused, innovative, collaborative, and adaptable. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a strong focus on customer service and performance.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The physically demanding nature of the role may be challenging for some applicants
• The role requires a valid driver's license and excellent driving history, which may limit the pool of eligible candidates
• The role may involve working in various weather conditions and non-temperature-controlled environments
• The role may require working with a diverse customer base, which may present unique challenges and opportunities

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the physically demanding nature of the role and the requirement for a valid driver's license and excellent driving history. They should also be comfortable working in various weather conditions and with a diverse customer base.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other sales and business development roles within the beverage industry, with a focus on customer service and merchandising
• Unlike other roles in the industry, this role is focused on bulk account merchandising, which may involve larger-scale sales and merchandising efforts
• This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company, with a focus on sales performance and customer service

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the unique aspects of this role, particularly the focus on bulk account merchandising and the opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a merchandising plan for a new product launch
• Managing a team of merchandisers to ensure consistent product presentation and sales performance across a region
• Identifying and addressing gaps in product availability and merchandising standards across a customer base

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and initiatives that a Bulk Account Merchandiser might undertake in this role. The specific projects and initiatives may vary based on the company's current priorities and needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader sales and business development strategy for the company?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company for this role?
• How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities for this role, and how can I contribute to the company's success in this area?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and success. Applicants should feel free to ask additional questions based on their own interests and priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales experience, customer service skills, and any relevant experience with merchandising or product management
• Prepare for your interview by researching CONA Services and the broader Coca-Cola system, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities for this role
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.