Associate, In-Store Food & Non-Food Demonstrations

Job Description

Job Title: Associate, In-Store Food & Non-Food Demonstrations

Company: Product Connections (part of Acosta Group)

About Product Connections & Acosta Group

Product Connections, a proud member of the Acosta Group, is a dynamic marketing agency specializing in connecting consumers with brands at every step of their shopping journey. As a collective of industry-leading retail, marketing, and foodservice agencies, Acosta Group reimagines brand engagement through digital and traditional retail events, experiential marketing, sponsorship activation, and omnichannel shopper marketing.

Our mission at Product Connections is to deliver effective brand solutions that strategically position products to the right target audience at the optimal time, guiding consumers through the conversion funnel. With a robust team of over 10,000 field experts and 150+ corporate employees, we leverage diverse talents and experiences to innovate within the marketing landscape. We cultivate a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture, encouraging employees to think big, develop their skills, and advance their careers. Join Product Connections to find a workplace where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is tangible.

Job Summary

The Associate is responsible for executing engaging in-store food and non-food product demonstrations. This role involves acquiring and maintaining comprehensive knowledge of represented products, professionally preparing and serving samples, and managing demonstration equipment and supplies. The Associate will proactively engage with consumers, showcasing products in an informative and professional manner while maintaining a polished appearance consistent with job requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain adequate knowledge of all represented products.
• Proactively intercept, engage, interact with, and effectively sell products to consumers in a positive and persuasive manner.
• Clearly communicate product features and benefits to potential customers.
• Prepare and serve food samples using various small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers, and knives, adhering to safety and hygiene standards.
• Maintain a clean, sterile, and safe workstation, utilizing appropriate cleaning chemicals.
• Present a professional appearance consistent with company and retailer guidelines.
• Properly set up and prepare the event table for flawless execution.
• Ensure 100% execution success on all assigned demonstration events.
• Assist in preparing for client visits and implement any required audit corrections.
• Build and maintain strong rapport with store personnel to achieve company and client objectives.
• Accurately complete and submit expense reports in accordance with Company Policy.
• Prepare and submit all online reporting requirements on the same day as event execution.
• Utilize internet access, company electronic systems, Microsoft Outlook, and view assigned documents (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF forms) proficiently.

Work Hours

This is a part-time role, typically not exceeding 25 hours per week. The company reserves the discretion to adjust hours based on business and/or client needs.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one to three months of related experience and/or training preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in using and navigating a personal computer or personal mobile device, including various applications and internal systems.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: A local Food Handler’s Permit may be required depending on location.
• Language Skills: English is the primary language required; however, bilingual skills may be beneficial based on specific business needs.

Physical Demands

The role requires the associate to frequently perform the following physical activities:

• Standing and walking for the entire shift.
• Using hands and fingers for handling or feeling objects.
• Reaching with hands and arms, including overhead tasks up to 65 inches.
• Talking and hearing to communicate with customers and colleagues.
• Having sufficient visual ability to read instructions and perform demonstration events.
• Stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing, or stepping up a ladder, and balancing.
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Pushing and pulling a wheeled demonstration cart fully laden with appliances, supplies, and product.
• Preparing foods and beverages using required appliances such as cooking utensils, knives, convection ovens, coffee makers, electric fryers, and microwaves.
• Being in contact with cleaning supplies.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates within a retail store environment with limited travel required.

Physical Appearance & Dress Code

Individuals must maintain a professional and appropriately groomed appearance at all times. The associate is expected to present a neat, clean, and professional image. Specific retailer dress code requirements will be detailed in training documents.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $14.50

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.

Additional Information

• Job Category: Retail
• Position Type: Part time
• Business Unit: Marketing
• Req ID: 23118
• Employer: Crossmark Inc.

Employer Commitments

Equal Opportunity Employer: Acosta Group, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Reasonable Accommodations: Acosta Group 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 your request.

E-Verify: 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 Employer Resources (e-verify.gov) link provided.

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General Disclaimer: This job description is not exhaustive and does not imply that the functions listed are the only tasks that may be performed. Individuals may be expected to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related tasks as directed by management. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

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