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At The Good Crust, it’s our mission to nourish our community with inclusive careers. That’s why we’re focused on hiring hard-working Mainers who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and local food.

Sales Associate

…with a passion for local food advocacy and delicious Maine-grown grains.

The Sales Associate represents The Good Crust and its products to institutional and grocery customers through sales, distributor tabling events, and educational outreach via in-kitchen baking demos and tastings. This role involves significant participation in the 4-year “Good Grains on the Go” project, which focuses on innovating and sampling new local grain products for K-12 school nutrition in Maine.

The Sales Associate leads school outreach efforts to introduce new local-grains-focused products, conduct sampling, and collect student feedback. They work closely with school nutrition employees to understand their needs, teach baking methods with local grains, relay feedback to the Product Development Team, and establish recurring sales of new products in institutions. This position is key in representing The Good Crust brand and its commitment to local grains to distributors and their sales teams, fostering mutual sales engagement. A recurring weekly commitment to sampling retail products in grocery stores is expected. The Sales Associate advises and collaborates directly with The Good Crust’s Chief Executive Officer, Heather Kerner, on customer engagement strategy, and the Operations Manager, Shawn Duffy, on production and sampling needs.

Weekly (virtual or in-person) meetings will address action items, and quarterly reviews will assess the company’s sales progress. Anticipated 24 hours/week to begin by April 1, 2025 (part-time) with opportunity for full-time based on sales performance. Benefits include free employee dough, meal/merchandise purchasing discount by opt-in payroll deduction, worker’s compensation insurance, MERIT retirement savings by payroll deduction, mileage reimbursement, attendance at company events, or other benefits at the CEO’s discretion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers (school nutrition, colleges/institutions, grocery category managers, chefs) to drive repeat business and brand loyalty.

  • Conduct personal sales visits, lead product demonstrations, and train customers on baking The Good Crust for optimal product integrity and user experience.

  • Independently conduct organized sales and demo outreach, including timely follow-ups and scheduling with existing and potential customers.

  • Communicate The Good Crust’s mission and value proposition verbally and in writing to grantors, investors, and customers.

  • Conduct direct customer interviews for product feedback and areas of improvement.

  • Act as a liaison between customers and production to resolve concerns, manage expectations, and ensure customer satisfaction.

  • Coordinate and execute outreach to potential customers.

  • Maintain accurate records of sales activities, customer interactions, and pipeline progress in CRM software (HubSpot), ensuring streamlined communication and follow-ups.

  • Work with operations to ensure smooth delivery and fulfillment of large or special orders.

  • Represent The Good Crust at relevant trade shows, farmers markets, and industry networking events.

  • Attend in-person sales meetings, distributor shows, and industry events.

  • Travel throughout Maine and greater New England, retrieve frozen products from the Canaan facility, and coordinate sampling with attention to optimal proofing/baking instructions.

  • Stay updated on The Good Crust’s product offerings and educate staff and customers on product benefits and usage.

  • Collaborate with the CEO to refine sales strategies, pricing models, and promotional initiatives.

  • Train staff in the “Sales Funnel” procedure.

  • Meet virtually or in person weekly and communicate by phone, text, or email throughout the week.

Compensation & Work Schedule

  • Duration: 24 hours/week

  • Pay Range: Starting at $20.00 per hour, with potential increases up to $30.00 per hour based on measured sales growth and effectiveness in securing new and repeat customers. (Metrics to be mutually set with company leadership).

Application Process

  • Apply by March 11, 2025

  • Video interview with the leadership team

  • In-person kitchen demo with the leadership team and a customer

  • Baking challenge to make pizza and dinner rolls at home

  • In-person interview with the leadership team

  • Anticipated start date: April 1, 2025

Apply