Account Executive

As this is a hybrid role, working out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.

The Plus Mark Account Executive is responsibly for the sales and profit objectives for specific retailers, primarily private label programs.

The Account Executive functions as the retailer expert, staying in-tune with and ahead of retailer needs, strategies, the retail landscape, the competitive environment and margin/cost factors.

The AE interfaces directly with the retail buyers to deliver the Plus Mark strategy and negotiate terms of the deal. They are directly responsible for developing all material to support the selling process in collaboration with product management. This position plays a key role in American Greetings’ Celebrations growth strategy by driving sale in private label programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Sets and executes plans to achieve sales and margin targets for programs under management
 Main point of contact for assigned retailer(s); responsible for the presentation of all strategies, recommendations and negotiations
o Develops all corresponding selling material used during retailer meetings
o Collaborates with product management to ensure product strategies meet retailer strategies and objectives
o Presents programs and products to buyers, alone or in conjunction with product management team, as needed
 Analyzes POS data and competitive offerings to inform strategic plans and product offering
 Collaborates with product management on financial models to access feasibility and financial impact of price/cost/volume scenarios
 Work closely with the operations team to hit all customer timelines and ensure flawless execution

Required Length & Type of Experience:
 5 years previous experience in sales, marketing or product management; including proven strategic and proactive account management skills
 Previous experience in a retail or merchandising environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 
Demonstrated success in meeting/exceeding sales goals/forecasts
 Proficiency in reading and interpreting financial and sales-related data; able to make fact based decisions
 Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
 Excellent communicator, both internally and externally
 High level of interpersonal skills; ability to build strong relationships, influence others, leverage networks/relationships
 Good organization and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
 Strong PC skills
 Works with sense of urgency; results oriented and focuses on productivity vs activities
 Consumer centric; anticipates and meets consumer needs and takes appropriate action without being prompted
 Accepts responsibility for own actions
 Operates with a growth mindset
 Innovative; identifies effective, new ways of doing things
 Able to work effectively with limited or partial information
 Able to clearly define purpose driven goals and the actions required to accomplish them; aggressively pursues challenging goals and objectives

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing/Sales or related field

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