Business Support Specialist, Special Markets

About the job

Who We Are

C.A. Carlin stands as one of the preeminent privately owned sales agencies within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Founded in 1962, the company has established its reputation through enduring partnerships rooted in integrity and performance, complemented by the agile growth derived from collaborations with operational partners C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie.

The firm specializes in converting complex data into actionable insights, subsequently translating these insights into strategic programs executed with precision by our team — reliably delivering measurable results that align with our clients' objectives and schedules.

With a workforce comprising over 300 associates across multiple offices nationwide, we integrate profound expertise in various categories with a people-first approach. This strategy has earned the trust of a portfolio of iconic global brands. The combination of national reach and personalized service enables the brands we serve to achieve sustainable and meaningful growth.

C.A. Carlin is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive workplace environment. We recognize that a diversity of perspectives enhances our innovation capabilities and deepens our connections with clients, colleagues, and the broader communities we serve.

About the Role

As a Business Support Specialist, you'll be the operational engine behind our sales team's success. Partnering closely with the Business Development team, you'll keep client execution, sales operations, and internal coordination running smoothly — from processing orders and promotions to keeping data accurate and flagging issues before they become problems. This role is a great fit for a detail-driven, proactive professional who takes pride in getting things right and wants to help drive revenue growth for the brands we serve.

Work Location

Hybrid to HQ Office, Schaumburg – Minimal travel based on business needs 0-10%

What You'll Do

• Execute day-to-day sales and operational activities for assigned client accounts, serving as a secondary point of contact for routine client inquiries.

• Prepare account materials, presentations, and follow-ups for client and buyer meetings.

• Process orders, promotions, pricing updates, and new item setups accurately and on time across internal systems.

• Track and resolve order discrepancies, deductions, and fulfillment issues in partnership with internal teams.

• Maintain accurate sales, pricing, and promotional data, compile recurring performance and distribution reports, and proactively flag data gaps or inconsistencies.

• Partner with sales, analytics, retail support, and finance teams — and with clients — to keep execution details and deadlines aligned.

• Identify ways to improve processes, reporting, and tools, and contribute to documentation and standard operating procedures that help the team scale.

What You'll Bring

• 1-2 years of experience supporting sales teams through order management, reporting, and execution in a retail, CPG, or sales agency environment preferred.

• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through with data, orders, and client deliverables.

• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities, deadlines, and requests at once.

• Clear, professional communication and a collaborative, service-oriented approach with internal teams and external partners.

• Comfort working with sales data, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and retail systems.

• A proactive problem-solving mindset for spotting issues, troubleshooting execution challenges, and knowing when to escalate.

• Adaptability and reliability in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of retail environments, including promotions, item setup, and sales cycles.

• Experience in CPG

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base rate range for this role is $21.00/ hour - $26.00/ hour on a 37.5-hour work week, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

• PTO and Sick days

• 11 paid company holidays per year

• 1 Floating holiday

• 2 paid volunteer days per year

• Up to 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)

• Medical, dental, and vision

• Paid company life insurance

• 401k with company match

• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)