Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Job posting for someone with Spanish skills, interest in trade and business

One of our Minnesota-Uruguay Partners members passed along the job opening below and asked us to post it. More details and an application are available here.

MOM Brands, based in Lakeville, Minnesota, is the third-largest producer of breakfast cereals in the United States, employing more than 1,400 people.

MOM BrandS, 

CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS REP, INTERNATIONAL

ID:4333
City:Lakeville
State/Territory:MN
# of openings:1

DESCRIPTION

JOB FUNCTION
The purpose of the position is to build customer loyalty and confidence by initiating direct customer communication, processing orders, resolving issues and advising customers of stock availability and delivery schedules.   In addition, this position will be required to process trade contracts.  This position will be responsible for working directly with our Latin American and US customers to assure the highest standards of customer service.  The position provides a single point of contact to the customer for order management by acting as a liaison between the customer and various internal MOM departments.
JOB ACTIVITIES/DUTIES
Accurately process customer orders according to MOM order guidelines and work with customers to affirm order size, pricing, freight allowance, item information, product availability, lead time, and other service requirements.
Responsible for the integrity and accuracy of assigned accounts in JD Edwards as it relates to order management (i.e. updating shipping platforms).
Timely entry of approved promotional contracts into the trade planning system.
Understand and help implement departmental and supply chain business strategies related to improving customer satisfaction and reducing supply chain costs.
Identify and actively participate to resolve issues that affect quality or service.
Utilize Spanish to provide excellent customer service to our Latin American and Mexican accounts. 
Potential travel to industry events or customer meetings in Latin American or Mexican countries to represent the supply chain area.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education: Four-year degree in a relevant field of study or relevant experience
Experience: The ideal candidate will have a bachelors’ degree.  In addition, the candidate will have a desire to grow and develop in conjunction with the growth of our international business.  A candidate will at least have applicable business experience in a dynamic customer service environment.
Skills: Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.  Effective time management; ability to function as part of a team.  Strong written and oral communication skills.  Ability to tactfully handle a wide range of customer relations, warehousing, distribution, and broker concerns. Strong attention to detail and analytical. 
Other:  3rd Party POS and Inventory systems such as Retail Link a plus.  NAFTA and other international shipping regulation background would be a plus.  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The passing of Bruce McManus

The StarTribune published the following obituary today about our dear friend and colleague Bruce McManus, who led the social justice projects at Minnesota-Uruguay Partners for the past eight years and passed away suddenly last Friday. His work and achievements have changed the lives of many people and will continue to do so for years to come. We miss him.

McManus, Bruce W. On Aug. 30, 2013, age 79, of Mendota Heights. Survived by his wife, Connie Roehrich; children William, Stephen, Robert, Marianne Koepfer and Esperanza; grandchildren Patrick, Katherine, Enrique, Carlos and Danu. Bruce was a 1956 graduate of Carleton College, US Coast Guard veteran, Warden of MN Correctional Facility, Stillwater, Deputy Commissioner, MN Department of Corrections. Memorial Service Saturday, Sept. 7th 11:00 a.m. at AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1400 So. Robert St., West St. Paul. Family will greet friends 1 hour before service. Memorials preferred to Carleton College (www.carleton.edu), Animal Humane Society (www.animalhumane society.org) or Partners of the Americas (www.minnesotauruguaypartners.org). Arrangements by Kandt & Tetrick Funeral Home, 651-455-5352. "Semper Paratus"