Customer Operations Representative – Midwest Region – Phone & Email Support for brighthush Animal Nutrition – Full‑Time, Customer‑Centric Role with Growth Pathways

About brighthush

brighthush stands at the forefront of the animal nutrition industry, delivering science‑driven, sustainable feed solutions that keep pets, livestock, and the ecosystems they inhabit thriving. With a legacy built on rigorous research, uncompromising quality, and a deep respect for animal welfare, brighthush has become a trusted partner for veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and distributors across the globe. Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to fuel life, support well‑being, and inspire confidence in every community we serve.

Operating from a network of state‑of‑the‑art production facilities, research labs, and distribution centers throughout the United States, brighthush is committed to ethical sourcing, carbon‑reduction initiatives, and continuous improvement. Our culture celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We invest heavily in our people, offering robust professional‑development programs, wellness resources, and a supportive environment where every employee can thrive.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Customer Operations Representative to join our Midwest Region team. This full‑time role will serve as the primary point of contact for customers across Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, handling orders, inquiries, and service requests via phone, email, and fax. The ideal candidate will be located within one of these five states and will thrive in a fast‑paced, customer‑centric environment.

As a member of the brighthush customer operations family, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that every customer interaction reflects our brand’s commitment to quality, integrity, and exceptional service. Your work will directly influence customer satisfaction, loyalty, and the overall success of our business.

Key Responsibilities

Order Management & Fulfillment

• Receive, process, and track customer orders from entry to invoicing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including Sales, Warehouse, and Finance—to resolve order discrepancies and expedite delivery.
• Maintain detailed order records in our enterprise systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance with internal controls.
• Identify and resolve fulfillment issues proactively, minimizing impact on customer experience.
• Generate regular reports on order status, back‑order trends, and fulfillment metrics for senior leadership.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the first line of support for all customer inquiries, providing clear, courteous, and accurate information.
• Build and nurture long‑term relationships with key accounts, anticipating needs and offering proactive solutions.
• Escalate complex issues to appropriate stakeholders while maintaining ownership of the resolution process.
• Document all interactions in Salesforce, ensuring that every touchpoint is captured for future reference and analysis.
• Conduct periodic check‑ins with top accounts to gather feedback and identify opportunities for upselling or cross‑selling.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Analyze root causes of recurring customer issues and propose process improvements.
• Make informed decisions that balance customer satisfaction with business objectives, such as cost control and quality standards.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to implement corrective actions and monitor effectiveness.
• Maintain a proactive mindset, anticipating potential challenges and mitigating risks before they impact customers.
• Develop quick‑reference guides and FAQs to empower customers and reduce repeat inquiries.

System & Technical Proficiency

• Operate within multiple systems, including Salesforce, JDE E1, and SAP, to manage customer data and service requests.
• Leverage system analytics to identify trends, forecast demand, and support strategic decision making.
• Provide training and support to peers on system usage and best practices.
• Ensure data security and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in system upgrade testing cycles and provide feedback to IT on usability enhancements.

Essential Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; additional education or certifications are a plus.
• 2–4 years of customer service experience in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work any shift within the 7:00 am–4:30 pm CST business window.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing conflict while maintaining integrity and quality of work.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Experience with SAP and advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros).
• Prior exposure to the animal nutrition or ag‑tech industry.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan, and deliver results in a dynamic setting.
• Experience in process improvement initiatives and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Familiarity with CRM platforms beyond Salesforce, such as HubSpot or Zoho.

Skills & Competencies

• Customer‑first mindset with a genuine passion for animal welfare.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork across multiple departments.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and evolving customer needs.
• High level of professionalism, poise, and empathy in all interactions.
• Proactive communication and negotiation skills.
• Tech‑savvy attitude with a willingness to learn new software quickly.
• Resilience under pressure and a solutions‑oriented attitude.

Why Join brighthush?

At brighthush, you are not just filling a role—you are becoming part of a mission‑driven community that values every employee’s contribution to animal health and sustainable agriculture. Our people enjoy:

• Purpose‑Driven Work: Every order you process helps feed animals that provide food, companionship, and economic stability to families worldwide.
• Career Mobility: Clear pathways exist from Customer Operations Representative to Senior Specialist, Operations Manager, Business Analyst, or even Product Development roles.
• Learning Culture: Access to internal training portals, industry conferences, and tuition reimbursement for relevant coursework.
• Recognition Programs: Quarterly awards, peer‑nominated honors, and performance bonuses celebrate outstanding service.
• Community Impact: Participate in brighthush’s outreach initiatives, such as farm‑to‑school programs and animal‑welfare education workshops.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we believe that investing in our people is the key to sustained success. As a Customer Operations Representative, you will have access to a variety of development programs, including:

• On‑the‑job training with seasoned mentors.
• Leadership development workshops focused on communication, decision making, and strategic thinking.
• Cross‑functional rotations that expose you to Sales, Supply Chain, and Product Development.
• Access to online learning platforms covering industry trends, technology, and soft skills.
• Clear career pathways to roles such as Senior Customer Operations Specialist, Operations Manager, or Business Analyst.
• Certification support for Lean Six Sigma, Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP).

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace where every voice is heard. Our culture is built on the following pillars:

• Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions.
• Innovation: Continuous improvement and creative problem solving are encouraged.
• Teamwork: We celebrate collective achievements and support one another’s growth.
• Well‑being: We provide resources for physical, mental, and financial health.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We value diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment.
• Flexibility: While the role is primarily office‑based, we offer hybrid work options and flexible scheduling within the CST window.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While the hourly rate for this position ranges from $20–$24, most candidates are offered a rate near the midpoint of the range based on experience and qualifications. In addition to competitive pay, brighthush offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, and paid parental leave.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Employee assistance programs and well‑being resources (counseling, fitness subsidies, mindfulness apps).
• Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement for approved courses.
• Employee development programs and leadership training.
• Company‑wide events, volunteer days, and annual “Brighthush Bash” celebrations.

Part‑time employees receive prorated PTO, holiday pay, and access to select benefits, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported.

Day‑In‑The‑Life Snapshot

Imagine starting your morning with a quick huddle where the team reviews the day’s order volume, any high‑priority customer issues, and key performance metrics. You then spend the bulk of your day fielding inbound calls and emails, entering orders into Salesforce, and coordinating with the warehouse to ensure on‑time shipments. Mid‑day, you join a cross‑departmental meeting to discuss a new product launch, offering insights from the customer perspective. The afternoon may involve troubleshooting a billing discrepancy, updating a knowledge‑base article, and mentoring a newer teammate on best practices for using SAP. Throughout, you’re empowered to make decisions that delight customers while protecting brighthush’s operational standards.

How to Apply

Ready to join a team that is redefining animal nutrition and making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and farmers? Submit your application through our career portal or click the link below to begin your journey with brighthush.

Apply to This Job

Closing Statement

At brighthush, we are more than a company; we are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to improving animal health and supporting the people who care for them. If you are a customer‑centric professional with a strong work ethic, a love for animals, and a desire to grow within a forward‑thinking organization, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of animal nutrition while advancing your career in a supportive, dynamic environment.