Ascend and its affiliates—DTS, DSD, and Fuchs—are shaping the future of truckload transportation through smart technology and a strong commitment to efficiency and fairness. We foster an inclusive workplace where team members can grow, achieve their goals, and maintain a healthy work life balance. Role Purpose The Associate Seller - Market Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and developing new business opportunities within assigned markets. The primary focus of the role is generating high-quality leads, securing initial customer meetings, identifying private fleet conversion opportunities, and advancing prospects into the DTS/DSD sales pipeline. This position serves as the front end of the sales process, creating qualified opportunities for senior sales leadership while building market intelligence, expanding customer relationships, and increasing awareness of DTS/DSD transportation solutions. The role is designed to create a scalable pipeline development function while providing a structured career path into a full business development and sales role. This position emphasizes prospecting activity, opportunity generation, CRM discipline, and pipeline growth rather than direct account ownership. Primary Responsibilities Lead Generation & Market Development Develop and maintain target account lists within assigned territories. Identify private fleet conversion opportunities and transportation outsourcing prospects. Research, qualify, and prioritize prospective customers. Generate qualified leads for Dedicated, Brokerage, and Transportation Solutions offerings. Maintain prospect intelligence and market activity within CRM. Prospecting Activities Conduct structured cold-calling campaigns. Execute email outreach and cadence programs. Schedule introductory meetings with qualified decision makers. Attend local networking events, trade shows, and industry meetings. Build relationships with transportation managers, distribution leaders, supply chain leaders, and fleet decision makers. Opportunity Advancement Secure first sales meetings between qualified prospects and senior sales leadership. Gather preliminary customer data and business requirements. Identify fleet size, operational complexity, service issues, and outsourcing opportunities. Document customer needs and opportunity details. Support transition of qualified prospects into formal sales pursuit activity. Sales Support Support proposal preparation and customer research. Participate in weekly pipeline reviews. Maintain CRM accuracy and activity tracking. Assist senior sales leadership with follow-up activities and opportunity development.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Ascend is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive environment where all individuals may grow and thrive, respecting the different experiences that each employee brings to their job. Ascend believes that a diverse work environment results in a better experience for employees and customers and makes Ascend stronger. With our mission of diversity and inclusion in mind, we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), religion, age, disability, citizenship, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), marital status, ancestry, genetic information, veteran and/or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or Ascend policy. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position, other duties outside of normal responsibilities may be performed as necessary to meet the needs of the organization. Nothing in this position description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

WE OFFER

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (effective the 1st of the month after hire) 401(k) Employee Assistance Program Enhanced benefits, including Short Term and Long Term Disability Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment Ascend is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive environment where all individuals may grow and thrive, respecting the different experiences that each employee brings to their job. Ascend believes that a diverse work environment results in a better experience for employees and customers and makes Ascend stronger. With our mission of diversity and inclusion in mind, we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), religion, age, disability, citizenship, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), marital status, ancestry, genetic information, veteran and/or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or Ascend policy.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person