Purpose: 

The Inside Account Manager is responsible for providing dedicated service to assigned account(s). Responsible for growing sales on assigned book of business (~100 accounts, <$250K) by sharing product knowledge, resolving customer issues and entering customer orders. The Inside Account Manager is responsible for providing high quality, streamlined service with a focus on local market trends for assigned account(s).

The Inside Account Manager will create partnering relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty and ensures customer compliance. They collaborate with their teams to achieve the objective of building out the store.

What does it mean to be part of the Sales team?  

The Sales team is responsible for providing high quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for their assigned customer(s). Our sales team is crucial in delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. With an ever-expanding selection of 1,000 new products every month, our team helps maximize sales with the right assortment of products based on customers' demographics and lifestyle. We are responsible for creating relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction and loyalty to help our customers achieve their goals, delivering better together. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Account Management & Sales Planning (50%) 

•        Execute strategic sales plans and goals to increase sales, profit margin and minimize expenses 
•        Manage new sales opportunities and servicing of existing accounts. 
•        Inform customers of products, programs, promotions pre-book and planned demands 
•       Identify customer needs and concerns for assigned accounts and partners with manager to find creative solutions to resolve. 
•        Leverage tools for sales data and merchandising plans to provide more frequent and direct contact to assigned customers 
•       Provide increased support to assigned customers in understanding market trends and product/category expertise. 

Manage Execution (25%) 

•       Ensure customers receive timely and accurate information on product availability, quality and price. 
•       Leverage product and category data to recommend substitutions for products, local product trends and new items. 
•        Respond to customer phone and email inquiries. 
•        Responsible for entering customer orders and submitting credit requests timely and accurately. 

Manage Relationships (25%) 

•        Create and maintain partnerships with vendor, broker and other trade partners. 
•        Meet or exceed client expectations and established deadlines. 
•        Drives proactively the company’s initiatives to ensure the success of the customer. 
•        Focuses efforts on mutual sales and profit growth. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education/ Certifications/Experience:

•        Associates degree or equivalent training and experience
•       Minimum 3-5 years sales experience required 
•        Understanding and knowledge of products2 
•       Familiarity with sales opportunities 
•        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 

Other Skills/ Abilities:

•      Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
•      Aptitude for financial reporting
•      Ability to lead without reporting authority
•       Able to exceed at: customer service skills, problem solving, attention to detail and organizational skills
•      Good judgement is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:  Remote

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager. 

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI 

Benefits: Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO or Competitive PTO plan, Health benefits, mileage reimbursement, cell phone, LTI, mentorship program/developmental opportunities, other benefits applicable to specific role.  

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.