*Must live within Cleveland & Akron, Ohio 

Purpose: 

The Manager Account is responsible for providing high-quality, streamlined service with a focus on corporate initiatives for assigned chain or independent account(s). They operate as a team conductor to manage, direct, and coordinate all sales plans and programs.  

The Manager Account is responsible for strategic selling, bringing core product expertise, and leveraging specialists when needed. They are responsible for creating partnering relationships of trust, integrity, customer satisfaction, and loyalty and ensuring 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. 

Responsibilities:

 Account Management & Strategic Sales Planning (25%)

• Execute sales plans and goals designed to increase sales, profit margin, and minimize expenses. 
• Develop joint business plans. Identify and manage new sales opportunities and servicing of existing accounts.
• Forecast profit, volume growth, and other related goals as determined. Assist with the preparation of a sales budget for assigned accounts.                                                                
• Makes key decisions on addressing and identifying customer needs and concerns for assigned accounts.
• Bridge between Sales and Ops to manage through challenges and resolve for customers.

Deliver Account Results (25%)

• Analyze sales reporting and create strategies to drive sales.
• Operates as the account conductor and owns the specialty sales deployment process.
• Develops and maintains a JBP that drives sales and profit margin.  Responsible for sales and profit margin results for assigned account(s). Focuses plans to drive sales and profit margin across products and services.
• Delivers corporate goals to deliver synergy and cross-selling capabilities to customers.

Manage Relationships (25%)

• Create and maintain partnerships with vendors, brokers, 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.
• Owns one or more key account customers.

Manage Execution (25%)

• Conduct regular reviews of sales activities and effectiveness. May 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 account(s).

Job Requirements:

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

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. 

Experience: 

• Minimum 3 years of 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.
•  Demonstrated ability to drive new business and close sales. 

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 excel at customer service skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, and organizational skills. 
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. 

Work Environment:   Hybrid Role  

This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office () days per week. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.  

Travel (minor):  

This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 

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: Medical, Dental, Vision, Competitive 401k, Flexible PTO, 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.