Account Sales Specialist - Entry Level

The Corporate Account Sales Specialist is primarily responsible and accountable for maintaining current and developing new retail accounts that include but are not limited to natural, specialty, and grocery retail stores. This position requires implementing business development skills and strategies to increase the company’s overall sales and expand product distribution by increasing product presence in the retail market. This position may be asked to conduct product demonstrations, event sampling, in-store training, and education for retailers and/or distributors. As such, they may be required to travel to facilitate these meetings, sales training, tradeshows, and other customer engagement opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Achieve sales goals as determined by management team by implementing effective business development, sales, and customer services skills and strategies.
• Responsible for contacting both existing and prospective accounts and creating new retail accounts to increase sales by conducting outbound sales calls to specified natural, specialty, and grocery retail accounts on a regular basis.
• Responsible for developing solid rapport and strong customer relationships by providing excellent customer service and conducting maintenance calls to existing accounts and new accounts to achieve sales goals and increase overall sales in the retail market.
• Responsible for maintaining and keeping current with product knowledge. Educate customers regularly with product knowledge.
• Responsible for keeping key contacts at retail accounts abreast of new products, promotions, and marketing strategies. Responsible for ensuring accounts are MAP compliant.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating records and account information in Ecometry database and Retail Call Status log.
• Creates effective ways to sell new products, promote products, and expand distribution on existing products. Helps the team to identify potential opportunities by staying current with industry trends, market activities, competitors, and brokers.
• Participates in and assists in completing sales projects successfully within allotted time for each project, and as directed.
• Applies company sales plans and strategies as instructed, trained, or directed. Responsible for providing accurate and timely reporting and paperwork, as necessary.
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company's discretion.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s Degree required, and/or a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, or other related degree preferred. Minimum of two years related experience. Possesses excellent computer skills and is proficient in the use of MS Office and Internet. Possesses strong phone selling and customer service skills. Adept in sales strategy, business development, and account management. Able to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines and sales goals. Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage time well and work both independently and with a team. Excellent communication skills, with ability to effectively use verbal and written skills. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.