Sales Account Manager

The Key Account Manager is responsible for calling on, building business, and developing relationships with new and existing retailers in Canada and US markets with emphasis on mass, grocery and pet retail chains. This role is Customer facing and will drive the customer agenda and provide strategic and operational day-to-day leadership of the assigned customers. It will deliver results by influencing cross functionally, building effective customer relationships and generating, qualifying and closing new business leads across the region. Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities Driving Strategic Sales growth: Demonstrate and uphold Company’s Core Values, mission, and vision. Help to establish RESPECT and confidence with customers. Build and strengthen relationships across customers and distributor partners. Educate customers, distributors, and sales agents on product attributes and benefits while displaying HUMILITY . Build relationships within multiple levels of the customer organization. Develop and manage collaborative partnerships and ownership of annual joint business plans with focus on Convenience and Gas and Foodservice partners. Develop and drive strategic plans to meet or exceed revenue goals. Have high engagement with distributors and customers to collaborate and partner during the planning process. Develop new business pipeline with focus on pet specialty, mass and grocery channels, primarily with chain and multi-unit customers. Prospect, qualify, pitch and close new business leads. Provide key inputs for demand planning - own the bottoms-up forecast for the S&OP process for each account owned. Properly manage forecasting on an accurate and consistent basis. Compile and review quantitative sales data and react rapidly to changing trends or new competitive threats and opportunities. Have a close pulse on environment and proactively have plans to support customer and our brands. Develop customer and distributor specific presentations and programs to drive strong velocities leveraging a solution based selling approach. Ensure execution against planning tactics of: Assortment: Utilize Priority Ranking List to close/expand distribution on core gaps Shelving: Work Closely with Category Management team to understand best shelving principles to share with retailers Merchandising: Create merchandising and promotional programs with retailers that support company strategies, tactics, and programs Pricing: Work with retailers on pricing guidelines & guardrails as communicated through Sales Planning & Strategy (on everyday pricing and promoted) Present all Innovation in a timely manner, creating plans for effective speed-to-market. Collaborate on marketing programs with customer and company Marketing team. Active P&L Management, internally and externally for the customer – ensuring effective management of trade spend against assigned trade budgets. Follow trade compliance and deduction support process. Manage trade payments and deductions in a timely manner. Communicate account activity/results via internal processes. Conduct quarterly business reviews with accounts and distributors. Send out monthly updates to both internal team and customer. OWNERSHIP by managing customers as if they were your own. Full understanding of customer and competitive market. Attend designated trade shows and events as needed. Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming. Any other duties as assigned. Travel as required Skills & Abilities Demonstrable success at creatively solving problems and implementing those solutions. Must have strong presentation, negotiating and listening skills Strong TEAM player with Energy, PASSION , ambition, competitiveness Outstanding organizational, and time management skills Intermediate level of computer and technical skills with an emphasis on MS Office Suite Ability to adapt communication style based on the audience. Ability to communicate in a clear and professional way, both written and verbal Tech savvy with apps and sales related software Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with key business partners. Proven ability to make decisions based on a mixture of information, analysis, experience, and judgement. Adept and Agile in working through business analytics and navigate business financials. Highly motivated and able to work with a minimum of supervision. Able to work independently and as part of a team with the ability to take decisive action as required. Ability to balance multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced sales environment. Sales Competencies – Critical Functional Competencies Required for the Role (Advanced) Negotiations Resiliency in Selling New Business Development Business Analytics Customer Specific Solutions Depth of Customer Knowledge Forging Strategic Partner Relations Industry Knowledge Influencing Through Communications Education & Qualifications University Degree in Business or a related discipline strongly preferred 5 years of progressive sales and new business experience. Experience in the pet industry a plus. We appreciate all expressions of interest. Please note, however, that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted . #J-18808-Ljbffr