National Retail Food Accounts Sales Manager

Job DescriptionCore Position Responsibilities: Demonstrate ability to drive sales results while providing best in class customer service. Negotiate slotting and terms of trade activity with customers. Create & present business reviews Excel, Word and PowerPoint proficient. Gain customer approval for in-store activation (IRC, Tear Pads, Signs, etc.) Create/maintain merchandising grid (Excel based). Address retail pricing issues with customers. Manage routine cuts/supply issues with customers. Secure orders for DRUs/MODs from customers. Communicate changes to IFA policy, discontinued items, pricing actions, recalls/product quality issues to customers. Handle customer/consumer complaints. Manage IFA Food product sales: Utilize product, category, and customer and consumer data to identify opportunities and prepare selling presentations. Manage new product launches. Expand distribution of full IFA portfolio. Conduct sales analytics using available insights to provide solutions to customer needs. Align customer strategies with IFAs strategic plan to build a collaborative business plan Understand and execute marketing plan sales material. Monitor trade activity execution. Complete ongoing general business analytics and evaluate risks, opportunities & threats. Evaluate customer specific reports and standardized IRI reports. Monitor daily cut reports and take action where necessary. Work in conjunction with retail effectiveness to communicate sales priorities (new items/UPC changes/POGs) with retail broker partners. Proactively develop and present business strategies to drive portfolio results. Qualifications/Education/Experience/Skills: Bachelor s Degree in business, finance, marketing (or related field or equivalent work experience) Minimum four years industry related experience with at least three years direct sales experience. Proven sales ability with strong negotiation skills. Experience in sales planning & forecasting. Must show proven ability to build and maintain strong, effective relationships with customers and functional groups. Must show aptitude to effectively interpret and use multiple information sources to develop customer specific tactical plans and options. Demonstrates potential to move across other functions of the team and/or organization (Category Leadership, Joint Business Planning, etc.) Strong business and financial acumen: advanced business analytics skills, customer P & L agility, ability to plan, track and evaluate trade management. Strong attention to detail and accuracy of data entry. Understanding of the total business process and procedures. Ability to manage trade spending. Strong technical, report running and analytical abilities. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work within a matrix organization. Work with multiple Account Managers/Sales Directors to discuss and prioritize work initiatives Company DescriptionInternational Food Associates (IFA) specializes in growing specialty food brands in the US market - for our high caliber, international clients we are a true industry partner and provide everything from logistics and warehousing to a national sales team, brand building expertise and market analysis. We are currently looking for a National Accounts Manager to join our team as we are taking on new clients.The position will be based in our Irving Texas office, so a candidate would have to live within the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The ideal person would also have experience selling products to natural food channel customers like Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, and The Fresh Market but previous experience with these customers isn t a requirement. This position requires extensive knowledge of the US food retailer market and the ability to sell to major, national/strategic food accounts.There will be a focus on maximizing sales to top tier accounts through advanced business planning, forecasting, analytical and category management expertise. The ability to form strong relationships between top management, merchandising, accounting, advertising, operations, logistics and finance is integral to success.Customer scope may range from partial accountability for one or two large accounts or full accountability for multiple small accounts.
Associated topics: retail, sales leader, sales management, sales professional, sample, sell, selling, showroom, solicit, vendors wanted