ABOUT NORTHSIDE FRUIT & VEGETABLES

Northside Fruit & Vegetables is a company inspired by flavour. We source the best ingredients and fresh produce by working directly with farms, foragers and small producers who share our same dedication to flavour. True seasonality dictates what we supply and what we emphasise with our customers. We are passionate about food, where it comes from and how it is celebrated.

We deliver to over 200 venues in Melbourne, that we count among some of Australia’s best chefs and some of the country’s top restaurants. Our commitment to customer service and industry-leading standards has created a vast network of forward-thinking chefs and a reputation of integrity. We employ proactive methods and creative problem solving to counterbalance the challenges of the food industry.

We source radically seasonally produce that highlights the true cost of farming, protects the land from soil depletion and favours sustainable nutritionally dense crops. By working directly with small scale growers, as well as plans to develop our own farming projects, we are building a community which is working together towards a common goal.

We actively seek to re-educate the way individuals think about and consume fruit & vegetables by working closely with a variety of restaurants, bars, retail venues and our home delivery service. Our goal is to create a more meaningful and responsible food system that preserves seed varieties, growing techniques and traditions that are threatened by modern industrial farming and supermarket culture.

Job Description

Your responsibilities will include:

• Onboard a diverse range of customers by replying to incoming requests, cold-calling and utilising networking opportunities.
• Aiding prospective accounts in the on-boarding process and making sure they feel well looked after.
• Build relationships with new customers through communication and customer service.
• Meet with prospects to pitch and explain Northside's service, product range and sourcing ethos. Provide samples and assess sourcing needs.
• Act as Northside's representative in the field for these prospects, effectively communicating brand, mission and impact.
• Knowing the farms Northside sources directly from and why. Show intrigue to learn about the benefits of regenerative farming.
• Upselling Northside Fruit & Veg as a company. Conveying the value of a candid supplier, educator and sustainability driven partner. Focus on our ethos and our holistic approach to service, not offered by our competitors.
• Keep a close eye on Melbourne’s Restaurant and Food Scene - new openings, events, social media, guest chefs and collaborations – how can we be involved?
• Network. Going to events, markets and meals and represent the business.
• Liaise with Buying and Operations teams to address quality, availability and delivery issues as early as possible in an account’s lifecycle.
• Display both passion and knowledge when communicating with customers.
• Knowing what’s in stock and what’s currently tasting best, and to recommend suitable substitutions or replacements.
• When mistakes happen, you will need to resolve them as quickly as possible
• Chefs are short of time and we want them to have the confidence in our ability to solve their problems, whatever the time of day.
• Being available to respond to calls, messages and emails in a timely manner.

Successful candidates will:

• Have second to none relationship building skills and excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to different styles and situations.
• Demonstrate a passion for food, fresh produce, our ethos and the restaurants we supply.
• Motivated by driving sales and delivering excellent customer service.
• Be outgoing. A friendly personality and plenty of enthusiasm to make everyday productive.
• Able to make themselves available to help customers out of office hours.
• Enjoy working in an agile, flexible working context.
• Be organised. This role is very fluid and will involve elements of Customer Service, Business Development and Account Management both daily and weekly.
• Be a team player. Every department and individual must communicate and work together to offer the service we are known for.
• Have creative problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate commercial acumen.
• Strong learning agility.
• Have a valid Working Visa in Australia.
• Strong IT skills, with Excel and G Suite experience a bonus
• Hospitality or Small scale farming experience a bonus

Compensation:

• Cost-price fruit & vegetables from our warehouse.
• A competitive salary (inclusive of Superannuation) and Remuneration Package.
• Performance incentives, excellent training and the opportunity to progress your career.
• 4 weeks annual leave, weekends and public holidays free.
• Centrally located Office and Warehouse space, accessible by public transportation.
• Working with a team of like-minded individuals in a safe and inclusive work environment.
• Allowances negotiated on a case by case basis

Our vision for a better food system is built on real human relationships and a diversity of experience, perspective and ideas. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.