Part Time Event Specialist

Company: Advantage Solutions
Location: Hastings
Posted on: January 12, 2022

Job Description:

The Company is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.Position SummaryThe Event Specialist generates excitement, customer engagement, brand awareness, and increased product sales through conducting event demonstrations. The Event Specialist is responsible for physically preparing, maintaining, and cleaning the demonstration area (including physically assembling and otherwise setting up and later breaking down the demonstration cart); actively marketing the product being demonstrated by physically approaching nearby shoppers to gain their attention and interest; preparing (e.g., cooking) and providing food or beverage samples or otherwise demonstrating the product to those shoppers who are successfully drawn in; and reading program materials as assigned to be able to conduct informed product-related discussions with consumers.Essential Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesConduct demo event for approximately 5 -- hoursGet out in front of and move around cart area to approach customers within 10 feet of cartEngage customers in a professional and memorable manner which generates enthusiasm for the product and the event and helps create a positive shopper experienceEducate the consumer about the products, create brand awareness, and drive product salesPrepare product samples using demo equipment such as sharp knives, cooking appliances, and other food preparation toolsOffer product samples to consumersKeep cart adequately stocked with samples, ingredients, and products for purchase, obtaining items from locations throughout the store as neededMaintain the area surrounding the demo in a safe and clean conditionSet up event within approximately 15 minute periodPush cart weighing up to 52-74 lbs. a distance of 150-300 feet from storage area to event execution areaCarry appliances/equipment weighing up to 20 lbs. a distance of 5-10 feetRetrieves product and supplies (requires lifting up to 20 lbs., reaching overhead; and carrying up to 20 lbs, up to 40 lbs at some locations, for a distance of 5 feet)Assemble cart and construct/set-up/display Point of Purchase materials, insert price signs, display product information, and lift signs up to 5 lbs.Set up and display product/materials on cartBreak down and clean up event within approximately 15 minute periodClean-up and sanitize cartDisassemble cartPush cart weighing up to 52-74 lbs. a distance of 150-300 feet from event execution area to storage areaReturn appliances/equipment by carrying items weighing up to 20 lbs. a distance of 5-10 feetWash utensils and cookwarePerform administrative workStudy product materials to develop product knowledgeReview event scheduleComplete call reportsAttend trainingsCheck voice mails and emailsParticipate in scheduled calls with Supervisor/others as neededSupervisory ResponsibilitiesDirect ReportsThis position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reportsIndirect ReportsThis position does not have guidance or mentoring responsibilities for indirect reportsTravel and/or Driving RequirementsDriving may be an essential duty or function of this jobMinimum QualificationsEducation Level: (Required): High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experienceSignificant experience in event marketing, demonstrations, sales or retail/grocery is highly desirableSkills, Knowledge and AbilitiesStrong verbal communication skillsReading comprehensionActive listeningAbility to understand and apply new information, procedures or principles to perform job dutiesAbility to understand and follow specific instructions and proceduresAbility to complete multiple duties with accuracy shifting form one to another with frequent interruptionsTime managementDetail orientationBasic computer skills to enter and locate information, including familiarity with Word, Excel and Internet usageTeamworkExcellent customer service orientationDependabilityDrive/InitiativePositive demeanorSales orientationFlexible and adaptable, able to change and alter according to changes in projects or business environmentWillingness to uphold ethical standards, laws and company policies and proceduresKnowledge of the Company's demo guidelines related to selling, preparing samples, and safetyAbility to use demo preparation and cooking equipment such as small countertop appliances, utensils and thermometersKnowledge of food safety policies and proceduresAbility to stand for extended periods of timeAbility to move throughout demo area to engage the customerAbility to move to locate products and suppliesAbility to visually locate merchandise and other objectsOther RequirementsExecute demonstrations on scheduled date and time (subject to any schedule adjustments necessary to properly complete set up and break down or as otherwise modified by management)Stand for up to 6 hours (other than legally required breaks/meal periods) and actively move around store up to a distance of about -- mile to obtain, set up, and clean up demonstration cart and related equipment/materials; obtain product from shelves; conduct demonstration eventMay need to pass online Food Safety certification (all training hours will be paid for by the Company)Certain product demonstrations may require specialized talent, experience, expertise, skills, knowledge, certification, or duties in order to be eligible to conduct a particular event. If an associate does not satisfy the particular requirements for the specialized event, he/she would remain eligible for the standard, non-specialized events otherwise available to all associates in the position (to the extent such positions are available). Examples of the talent, experience, expertise, skills, knowledge, certification, or duties which may be required to conduct a specialized event include (without limitation): ability to satisfy requirements necessary to conduct product demonstrations involving alcoholic beverages; Food Safety Certification; Responsible Alcohol Server Certification; video game /other consumer electronics knowledge, skills, and experienceReliable access to a computer and a phone on a daily basisMust perform the job safely and utilize proper safety techniques and use of equipment when appropriate.Ability to be flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessaryEnvironmental & Physical RequirementsIncumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed in a retail in-store environment. Typically requires the ability to spend 66%+ hours each work day doing the following activities: engage in considerable physical activity, ability to lift and/or push up to 74 pounds, stand on feet for long periods of time, use products or cook food as appropriate for the demonstration, and may be required to work in extremely cold conditions (i.e. refrigerated and freezer sections). The use of proper safety practices when handling the products and/or cooking is essential.Additional Information Regarding The Company Job Duties and Job DescriptionsJob duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one's supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.Any estimate, schedule, or guideline provided to associates in this job description or elsewhere in connection with their jobs is only intended to help describe job duties and for planning purposes. Regardless of any such estimate, schedule, or guideline, associates must always record all time worked for our company (which includes but is not limited to on-site work time in an assigned store, office, or other work location; required waiting time; administrative time; and work-related travel time).

Keywords: Advantage Solutions, Kalamazoo , Part Time Event Specialist, Other , Hastings, Michigan