Key Account Manager - West Coast Sales

Position Summary:

The Key Account Manager – West Coast Sales will lead product strategy and key initiatives at the national and regional levels to drive profitable growth for Good Foods and our retail Customers while building the Good Foods brand equity. This position will be responsible for our profitable long-term sales growth with West Coast Retail customers and national accounts that hold office on the West coast.

Duties:

• Develop new business opportunities by thoroughly researching and understanding the customer’s business model, expectations and market growth GFG Branded and private label products.
• Participate in and lead day-to-day sales activities, building new relationships and solidifying existing relationships. Be accountable for sales growth, budgeted monthly product movement, promotion planning, promotional fund and accrual management and filing distribution gaps.
• Maintain awareness in the development of sound market strategies, monitor industry trends, attend conferences and maintain focus on company growth objectives with a goal of maintaining/achieving a superior position in the industry.
• Successfully build sales volumes, maintain and grow profitability, and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to provide strategic sales, marketing and planning leadership to assure that both the present and future market potential for the business is fully identified, pursued and developed.Possess a strong working understanding of each customer’s strategy, organization, and decision-making process.
• Provide accurate product, pricing and volume data for all sales opportunities.
• Analyze account requirements and develop penetration plans to increase market share.
• Attend food shows, conferences and other industry related events to build relationships and identify new sales, market and product opportunities.
• Establish monthly, quarterly and annual sales projections.
• Develop semi-annual channel budgets that include revenue, expense and account profitability
• Work with Brokers, Distributors and other account/channel specialists to grow sales and develop broker and distribution partnerships to profitably grow sales and strengthen market opportunities.
• Recommend sampling, trail and promotional programs that result in new product sales and generate additional sales on existing products.Influence product mix to optimize account profitability.
• Establish strong internal and external communication channels associated with bringing on new business, launching new products, and in resolving customer complaints.

Please note: We are focusing specifically on candidates who have sold edible food products, preferably CPG, in the fresh food and better for you space/deli/produce. We are looking for the successful candidate to build on their own current and existing relationships with deli and produce buyers in retail. This position may not be the right fit for you if you have sold food packaging, paper goods, ingredients, etc. or if your experience in working in the target market is not current.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field - Business, Marketing or Communication.
• 5+ years of CPG (preferably specialty/ natural foods – produce department) sales experience in the retail channel
• Experienced working directly with large, national and regional retailers as well as smaller specialty retailers; natural/organic food retail experience highly preferred
• Sales experience with distributors
• Demonstrated ability sell premium value-added products and build long term customer relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including negotiation and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution skills to handle consumer issues courteously and expeditiously.
• Financial and business acumen
• Positive attitude and motivated by contributing to the overall success of the team
• Able to develop strong and deep relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Obsessive attention to detail, well organized and able to juggle many different projects at once
• Comfortable moving at a fast pace and in ambiguous environments
• Passionate about food and helping retail chains succeed in their businesses
• Willing to address difficult situations head on with patience and respect

Ability to:

• Learn the nuances of Good Foods business/operations and work to maximize business opportunities.
• Partner with organizational resources with customer contacts to create a more collaborative and comprehensive account management approach.
• Manage projects from conception through commercialization on behalf of your accounts.
• Represent Good Foods Group in a professional and credible manner.
• Patiently and tactfully deal with customers in stressful, confrontational and adverse situations.
•  Convey passion and enthusiasm for our Company and our products in order to influence the opinion of the customer in a positive manner.
• Use independent judgement skills and decision-making skills to resolve situations while maintaining confidentiality.
• Travel to tradeshows and customer visits.
• Main office is located in Pleasant Prairie, WI. The successful candidate may live in another state, as long as, they are close to a large regional airport for easy access to travel for customer visits and trips to the office.

Proficiency in:

• MS Office Suite, especially Excel, along with ERP and EDI applications.

Competitive Comp and Benefits Plans.