Associate

Job Description

Associate – In-Store Food & Non-Food Demonstrations

Company: Product Connections (part of Acosta Group)
Job Category: Retail
Position Type: Part-time
Business Unit: Marketing
Salary Range: $14.00 – $14.00 per hour
Req ID: 23167

Job Description

The Associate is a dynamic and engaging individual responsible for executing in-store food and non-food demonstrations. This role involves acquiring and maintaining comprehensive product knowledge, preparing and serving samples, and professionally engaging consumers to showcase products. You will be instrumental in creating an exciting shopping experience, effectively communicating product features and benefits, and driving sales. A professional appearance and adherence to detailed event execution guidelines are paramount for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire and maintain thorough knowledge of all products represented, understanding their features and benefits.
• Proactively intercept, engage, interact with, and positively sell products to consumers.
• Effectively communicate product features and benefits to potential customers.
• Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers, and knives, adhering to all safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, sterile, and safe workstation using appropriate cleaning chemicals.
• Present a professional appearance consistent with job requirements and retailer dress codes.
• Properly set up and prepare the Event Table for optimal execution.
• Achieve 100% execution on all assigned work and event tasks.
• Assist with preparations for client visits and complete audit corrections as needed.
• Build and maintain positive rapport with store personnel to effectively meet company and client objectives.
• Complete and submit expense reports accurately and in accordance with Company Policy.
• Accurately prepare and submit all online requirements on the same day as event execution.
• Utilize internet access, navigate company’s electronic systems, use Microsoft Outlook, and view assigned documents including Microsoft Word & Adobe PDF forms.

Working Hours

This role is not expected to exceed more than 25 hours per week; however, the company maintains the discretion to adjust hours based on business and/or client needs.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months’ related experience and/or training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in ability to use and navigate on a personal computer or personal mobile device using applications and internal systems.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Local Food Handlers permit may be required.

Physical Demands

The associate will be regularly required to:

• Stand and walk for the duration of the shift.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms (including conducting tasks overhead up to 65 inches).
• Talk and hear.
• Have visual ability to read instructions and perform events.
• Stoop, kneel, squat.
• Climb or step up ladder.
• Balance.
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds (including occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Push and pull a wheeled demonstration cart fully laden with appliances, supplies, and product.
• Prepare foods and beverages using required appliances, such as cooking utensils, knives, convection oven, coffee maker, electric fryer, microwaves.
• Be in contact with cleaning supplies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Work Environment

• Retail store environment with limited travel.

Physical Appearance

• Individuals must ensure a professional appearance and proper grooming. The associate must present a neat, clean, and appropriately groomed appearance. Specific Retailer Dress Code requirements are included in the training documents.

Language Skills

• English is the primary language skill; however, bilingual skills may be required based on business necessity.

About Us

Product Connections is a proud part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing, and foodservice agencies. We are reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey.

As a full-service marketing agency, Product Connections specializes in digital and traditional retail events and demos, experiential marketing, sponsorship activation, and omnichannel shopper marketing. Our core mission is to deliver brand solutions that effectively connect products to the right target audience at the right time, guiding consumers down the conversion funnel.

With over 10,000 field experts and more than 150 corporate employees, we boast a diverse range of talents and experience that redefine what it means to be a marketing agency. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to think big, grow their skills, and advance their careers. Join Product Connections and discover a workplace where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is felt—let’s build something great together. #DiscoverYourPath

Additional Information

Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact AskHR@acosta.com and include “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject of your email to expedite the request.

Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting.

The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. For more information on E-Verify and your rights as a job applicant, please refer to the link: Employer Resources (e-verify.gov).

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Acosta, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.