Bilingual National Account Executive

ITALPASTA Limited is looking to add a bilingual National Account Executive to the team. Reporting to the Director - National Retail Sales, the Key Account Manager will be responsible for developing a retail strategy in conjunction with Marketing and other sales teams, execute sales plans that are aligned with Italpasta’s business strategy and meet or exceed budgeted sales and profitability growth targets.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**
- Influence growth in the category and specified accounts through a focused and fact based selling and decision making process
- Achieve sales objectives as per Key Account and Channel plan
- Develop and execute a business plan specific to each account and ensuring that it is on strategy with Italpasta’s sales & marketing plans
- Communicate clearly the progress of monthly & annual initiatives to internal and external stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships, addressing any customer service issues in a timely fashion
- Provide candid feedback and recommendations on account issues in order to maximize effectiveness and efficiency
- Work collaboratively with the internal team to effectively communicate key account initiatives, priorities and business details to support flawless execution of the Business Plans at retail level
- Maximize account potential by leveraging marketing initiatives (new products, P.O.S., category reviews, etc.) within the category and specified key accounts
- Analyze and present current market data as part of category reviews utilizing all available fact based selling tools (Nielson, POS, etc) to determine future sales opportunities
- Manage and monitor customer trade spend through continuous analysis & review of the business performance, to fully maximize effectiveness and efficiency

**Competencies**

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
**Customer Service** - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

**Interpersonal Skills** - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

**Oral Communication** - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

**Teamwork** - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

**Visionary Leadership**:

- Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.

**Change Management**:

- Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

**Language Skills - **Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals and technical procedures. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and general public.

**Computer Skills - **Ability to perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to use Microsoft AX Sales Module; as well as spreadsheets and Word Processing software.

**Analytical** - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

**Required Skills and Background**
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related discipline
- Bilingualism in English and French language skills are required.
- 2-5 years progressive selling experience in CPG industry with major retail accounts, with a proven track record of success in account management focused on fact based, analytical selling
- An understanding of Category Management
- Microsoft Office proficiency: E-mail, Word, Powerpoint, Excel experience a must
- High financial and demand forecasting accuracy
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment essential, with a high degree of flexibility and tolerance of change
- Experience in sourcing and analyzing market level and account data for internal & external presentations
- Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Self-starter with an ability to work independently and as a team member
- Minimal travel required, as needed

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $80,000.00-$90,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insur