PURPOSE: 

The Associate Account Manager is responsible for sales in assigned geographical area and/or key accounts. This role will manage, direct, and coordinate all sales plans and programs while creating relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty with their clients. They collaborate with their teams to achieve the objective of building out the store and ensure customer compliance. The Associate Account Manager is intended to be a progression into an Account Manager role and will consist of a small book of business and opportunities for added training and exposure, with support from a Sr. Account Manager or Sales Manager

Job Responsibilities:

Account Management & Strategic Sales Planning-25%

·       Responsible for one or more customer’s sales growth plans in partnership with direct supervisor’s guidance and a Joint Business Plan.

·       May manage and support a team on a large key account or may manage lower maintenance and less strategic accounts on your own.

·       Represent customer accounts purchasing from Natural and Conventional UNFI divisions.

·       Partner with sales team and region merchandising to execute sales plans and goals designed to increase sales, profit margin, and minimize expenses.

·       Makes key decisions on addressing and identifying customer needs and concerns for assigned accounts in support of Mgr Sales or Mgr Account.

·       Forecast profit, volume growth and other related goals as determined. Assist with the preparation of a sales budget for assigned accounts.

·       Bridge for assigned Customers between Sales and Ops to manage through challenges and provide resolutions.

Deliver Account Results-20%

·       Responsible for budgeted sales and profit margin results for assigned accounts.

·       Analyze sales reporting and create strategies to drive sales.

·       Develop well-defined plans to drive sales and profit margin across all product departments and professional services for assigned accounts.

·       Drives proactively the company’s initiatives to ensure the success of the customer.

Manage Relationships-25%

·       Partners with internal and external shareholders to establish open lines of communication regarding all aspects of the business. Focuses efforts on mutual sales and profit growth.

·       Regularly interacts with customer leadership teams to present opportunities and communicate resolutions to build trust and grow profitable sales.

Manage Execution-20%

·       Conduct regular reviews of sales activities and effectiveness. Regularly work with vendors, brokers, and merchandising teams to develop promotions and incentives to increase sales and improve performance.

·       Coordinates with a cross-functional team of resources to ensure account goals are achieved. Works collaboratively with Merchandising, Product Specialists and Professional Services to identify strategic selling opportunities for accounts.

·       Meets or exceeds account expectations and established deadlines.

Professional and Career Growth-10%

·       Focused and strategic partnership with learning & development team, account management team, and direct supervisor to gain full understanding of best practices in sales growth and relationship management to deliver sales results.

·       Individual development plan to include strategic training courses and personalized development strategies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

·       Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Experience:

·       1-2 years sales experience preferred

·       Understanding and knowledge of products

·       Development and execution of business plans, sales plans, and/or commission programs.

·       Familiarity with sales opportunities

·       Understanding of sales forecasting, programs, promotions and related techniques

·       Understanding of margin and company profitability

·       Proven track record of meeting and exceeding customer expectations

·       Ability to work in a result driven environment

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and company systems

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

·       Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

·       Aptitude for financial reporting

·       Ability to lead without reporting authority

·       Ability to interact at all levels of the business

·       Able to manage and coordinate projects

·       Able to exceed at: customer service skills, problem solving, attention to detail and organizational skill

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

·       Travel is required

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday

·       Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.