<p>Description</p> <p>Are you looking for the next step in your career in customer service and account management? Are you looking to join a hard-working, dynamic team that is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations? The Central Life Sciences (CLS) business unit of Central Garden & Pet is dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and the protection of companion animals, economic animals, plants, stored grains and the environment. We are currently seeking a Customer Service Representative to partner with our sales team to deliver superior customer service to his/her assigned accounts.</p> <p>This career opportunity is based out of our Schaumburg, IL office. We presently work a hybrid schedule of Tu-Wed-Th in the office and Monday & Fridays from home. Please see our websites www.central.com and www.centrallifesciences.com for additional company information.</p> <p>KEY RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <ul> <li>Responsible for key account management for domestic customers from order receipt to dock, including post shipment care and metrics. </li><li>Coordinate requests for information, quotes for freight rates and technical data for customers. </li><li>Monitor inventory requirements against customer order demand and provide customer notification late shipment/short shipment/pricing verification/product availability/ship date/arrive date. </li><li>Investigate and resolve customer claims and complaints; maintain appropriate documentation trails. </li><li>Communicate customer specific requirements for traffic and shipping. </li><li>Coordinates return authorizations with sales management. </li><li>Manages claims for damage including credit and potential reimbursement. </li><li>Actively involves finance members and senior management on changes to account demand forecasts. </li><li>Manage and resolve customer deductions, maintain documentation for finance. </li><li>Create and update customer address book records; establish new customer profiles. </li><li>Provide sales support, including: customer correspondence, open order reporting, inventory reporting, and customer call backs. </li><li>Coordinates monthly performance measurements for key accounts. </li><li>Participates in developing customer and department specific process improvements. </li><li>Utilize troubleshooting and time management skills to exceed customer expectations. </li><li>Serves as a change agent; actively demonstrates leadership qualities. </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>Manufacturing customer service background strongly preferred </li><li>Excellent decision making and priority setting </li><li>Superior organizational ability and flexibility </li><li>Strong customer orientation; participates in team culture </li><li>Experience with quality-based management programs </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION</p> <ul> <li>Minimum five years complex customer service experience required </li><li>Superior experience with SAP or ERP experience required (prior implementation experience a plus) and Microsoft Office </li></ul> <p>WORK ENVIRONMENT</p> <p>This position is based in a quiet, professional (but not stuffy!), corporate office environment. We have a corporate casual dress code and host celebratory activities throughout the year! Our office is located within the Schaumburg Corporate Center, which offers many amenities including an on-site fitness center, convenience center, deli-style restaurant, dry cleaners, hair salon, and covered parking.</p> <p>POSITION INFORMATION</p> <ul> <li>This is a salaried position that pays $50,000-$57,500 annually, based on level of relevant professional experience, International customer service expertise and geographic location. </li></ul> <p>BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS</p> <ul> <li>Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance </li><li>Free Life and Disability Insurance </li><li>Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts </li><li>401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution </li><li>Paid vacation, holidays and sick time </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Access to thousands of free online courses </li><li>Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! </li><li>Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) </li><li>Referral Program with cash bonus </li><li>Access to on-demand pay </li><li>Paid parental leave </li></ul> <p>Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Best Bully Sticks, Cadet, C&S, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Kaytee, Nylabone, Pennington, Sevin and Zo?con. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.</p> <p>We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.</p>