Sales Representative

Equal Exchange is a worker-owned co-operative and alternative trade organization, founded in 1986. We are headquartered in West Bridgewater, MA with offices and warehouses in various locations across the country from Portland, Oregon to Cleveland, Ohio. Unlike most companies that seek to maximize profits for their investors, our goal is to maximize benefits to farmers. We have long-term, direct relationships with small farmer organizations around the world to source delicious organic coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, olive oil, nuts and dried fruits. And, we engage consumers in the U.S. to challenge the corporate control of food and reshape our food system in ways that benefit all of us.

We put a lot of energy into hiring the right employees to thrive in our co-operative. Please take a look at our site to see our current job offerings. Check back often for new postings.

Job Description:

Responsible for:
The primary responsibility of this position is to grow sales in a given territory by maintaining relationships with existing customers and seeking new sales opportunities. This person will approach their sales work through self-motivated means and independence. An EE sales representative must embody the principles of the mission while clearly communicating our authentic difference in the market. A salesperson must have strong communication skills and be comfortable representing Equal Exchange in public forums. As a member of a learning organization, a salesperson must be committed to continuous learning in all aspects of the business while also developing the ability to create and lead trainings. The EE sales rep position is highly independent. A successful salesperson will have the skills necessary to effectively operate autonomously and creatively while maintaining exceptional communication skills within the organization.

Qualifications:

• An interest in the mission of Equal Exchange
• Ability to communicate well and problem solve with customers, team members and staff
• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities
• Ability to rebound from rejection
• Ability to work independently and within a tea
• Previous sales experience preferred
• Ability & willingness to travel
• Flexible, and willing to continuously learn by experience

Responsibilities:
Sales and Account Management (approx 95% of time)

• Accountable for individual sales goals as determined by Sales Manager
• Regional travel along with overnight travel out of state as determined with supervisor
• Account Development: Understand customers’ needs and problem solve. 
• Maintain and deepen relationships with current customers. 
• Design and lead product specific trainings and events while communicating the Equal Exchange mission. 
• Design, implement and evaluate promotional and marketing strategies. 
• Effectively communicate and implement price and product change information with customers.
• New Sales Market Development: Prospecting, cold calling, evaluating, negotiating, proposing and closing new accounts. 
• Manage, qualify and prioritize incoming sales inquiries.
• Track and manage leads
• Communicate the characteristics of  Equal Exchange coffee, tea, cocoa and other products
• Communicate,  understand and work comfortably with equipment
• Communicate effectively with the customer service team, including maintaining account database
• Work with brokers, Sales Reps, and Sales Generalists to best serve accounts in region

Team Development

• Continual learning and analysis about the market, Equal
• Exchange’s relation to it, and how to market our authentic difference.
• Help develop, implement and refine sales team strategy and systems
• Continuous training in sales, marketing, equipment and product quality
• Support sales team members and operations as needed or directed including acting as backup for the DSD route if applicable to location.

Personnel & Worker Ownership/Fair Trade Development

• Participate in staff, team, department, and educational (Exchange Time) meetings.
• Understand our producer partners, trading policies, and the Fair Trade movement.
• Understand and participate effectively in our worker cooperative model.
• Other job-related responsibilities and projects as needed.

Employment Status: Full-time regular position, on worker-owner track
Hours: 40-45 hrs/wk

Pay Range and Benefits:

• $50,000-60,000 starting salary, depending on expertise and experience.
• Health/dental/vision insurance coverage, vacations, holidays, sick days, eligibility for worker ownership

Department: Sales
Report to: Sales Supervising Manager

Location: Remote, East Coast preferred and Portland, Oregon

To Apply:
Please provide your resume and answers to the following questions in your application by April 1, 2026.

1.  How does this position impact Equal Exchange’s mission to support small scale  farmers?
2. How would you communicate the value of ethically sourced coffee to a potential buyer who is primarily focused on price?
3. Describe a time your perspective was challenged and you had your mind changed.