About the Role:
The Key Account Sales Manager is responsible for managing and growing relationships with major clients within the Gift and Home Industry. This role focuses on channel-specific expertise in specialty, grocery, hardware, farm, and feed sectors. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in prospecting, sales, strong client relationship skills, and preferably existing buyer relationships within these sectors.
Role Mission:
To drive sales growth and maximize account performance by developing and executing strategic sales plans, leveraging deep industry knowledge, and fostering strong client relationships. The representative will ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and contribute to the company's market share expansion within the grocery, hardware, farm, and feed channels.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Conduct regular business reviews with clients to assess performance and identify growth opportunities.
Sales Strategy and Execution:
- Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve sales targets and expand market share within assigned key accounts.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing accounts and potential new clients.
- Collaborate with marketing, product, and merchandising teams to create and execute promotional campaigns, product launches, and special events.
Product Knowledge and Presentation:
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of the company's product lines to effectively present and sell to key accounts.
- Provide clients with tailored product recommendations and solutions.
- Organize and conduct product demonstrations and presentations.
Sales Reporting and Analysis:
- Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics for key accounts, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
- Prepare and present sales reports, forecasts, and account status updates to management.
- Use data and insights to adjust sales strategies as needed.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, merchandising, customer service, and logistics, to ensure seamless client order execution and service delivery.
- Coordinate with the product development team to provide client feedback and influence product improvements.
Market Research and Trends:
- Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape specific to grocery, hardware, farm, and feed sectors.
- Conduct market research to identify new opportunities and potential challenges.
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Sales Representative or Account Manager, with channel-specific expertise in grocery, hardware, farm, and feed sectors preferred.
- Existing buyer relationships within these sectors are a significant plus.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of sales principles and customer relationship management within these channels.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to analyze sales data and market trends to drive business decisions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with key account management and strategic sales planning within the specialty, grocery, hardware, farm, and feed sectors.
- Established network of industry contacts and relationships in these specific channels.
- Knowledge of current trends and best practices in the Gift and Home Industry as they relate to these sectors.
Work Environment:
- Hybrid with travel requirements (including: monthly visits to Richmond office, tradeshows, and customer appointments)