Job fair could lead to 500 jobs here

A Massachusetts-based company that provides customer service for automotive manufacturers’ roadside assistance programs and similiar products, is considering locating an inbound contact center in Florence that could bring 500 or more jobs to the area, and will hold a job fair on Jan. 9-10 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College to guage the strength of the local labor market.

The job fair is part of the site selection process for Agero of Medford, Mass. Florence is a finalist for Agero’s new call center and company officials want to a better read on the potential depth of the local workforce. At the job fair, applicants will receive information about the company and have a chance to talk to company representatives about Agero and the jobs that will be available at the proposed Florence call center.

The job fair will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Agero officials say applicants should bring an updated resume with them to the event. There’s no advantage to coming to one day or other other, or to coming both days. Interested parties who can’t attend the job fair can email resumes to Florenceresume@agero.com.

Agero said in a press release it will need 500 response associates and managers for the proposed call center. Agero call center teams consist of response associates handling customer service inquiries and problems associated with the servicing of Agero’s client base.  Team members handle all basic and routine customer contacts and utilize computer applications to provide roadside assistance. Company officials said the positions require: service-oriented/internal customer service, teamwork, interpersonal communication skills, self awareness, personal accountability and resiliency. English/Spanish fluency is a plus, but is not required.

Agero is headquarters in Medford, Mass and has operations across the United States and Canada with more than 2,300 associates serving more than 100 corporate clients and millions of their customers each year.  Agero’s client list includes automotive manufacturers Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Infiniti, Volvo, Bentley and others; and insurance giants like Progressive, Liberty Mutual and Farmers.

Agero was founded in 1972, and is a member of The Cross Country Group, one of the largest privately-held providers of customer service programs in the United States.

Agero said it offers a competitive compensation package; a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and supplemental insurance, short and long term disability, and 401k; free membership to the Motor Club; paid vacation plus 10 paid holidays; extensive paid training and growth opportunities for career-minded individuals. Agero officials did not offer a salary or hourly pay range for the jobs involved. It is seeking both part- and full-time employees.