Territory Account Executive

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Location: Chicago, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 75%

SUMMARY

Responsible for building the business and brand presence through strategic new customer acquisition via street sales for a specific metropolitan market/region.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Perform lead follow-ups via email and phone, and place outbound cold calls for new prospects.
  • Uncover growth opportunities by canvassing prospective customers within assigned region.
  • Solicit new business opportunities in designated markets by visiting accounts in person.
  • Visit with key decision makers; build and strengthen relationships.
  • Present new products to current accounts; close new business within these accounts.
  • Maintain contact with both current and prospective customers.   
  • Work with all teams to process orders and successfully coordinate business needs.
  • Manage the market by working with distribution partners and direct customers.
  • Assist Regional Sales Director by producing reports outlining the new business opportunities and reviewing sales targets and goals for upcoming period(s).
  • Support the Regional Sales Director in assigned region on an as needed basis.
  • Utilize company CRM/ERP for all aspects of account management: lead generation and contact, accounts set up (following appropriate procedures as developed by A/R) to complete order cycle.
  • Provide clear expectations and information regarding out-of-stocks, new product arrivals, order fulfillment times, shipping and all other trouble-shooting required for account management.
  • Work across departments to ensure customers’ needs are met in all areas including A/R, new product development (R&D, compliance, purchasing), blending, production, fulfillment, shipping and creative.
  • Provide superior level of customer service and account management.
  • Educate existing customers about new and existing products as well as tea brewing techniques and general tea knowledge.
  • Conduct in-market sales calls and customer visits including coordinating tea classes, demonstrations and presentations as approved by the RSD
  • In-person visits to market as assigned by Regional Sales Director or Company executive on an as needed basis.
  • Responsible for being aware of, and following, all food safety protocols as required by company’s food safety management system, as they relate to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of one-plus years of inside sales experience (growing sales through new customer acquisition and/or customer retention and/or realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base) are required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred.