What are the responsibilities and job description for the Customer Development Associate position at Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.?
General Function
The Customer Development Associate will be responsible for maintaining and expanding relationships with strategically important accounts, and acquire new meaningful accounts with specific criteria. This individual will develop and grow sales of AT products with a focus on the Brick & Mortar segment of the market place. They will cultivate and develop relationships with targeted accounts to place appropriate and effective AT products to optimize sales. They will work as part of the overall sales, marketing, and product development teams to achieve annual sales and profitability targets.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for all aspects of account management for assigned account base.
- Achievement of all sales and profitability goals for those assigned accounts.
- Plan and organize efforts that constantly develop relationships to increase awareness and sales of AT products.
- Have frequent and direct communication with the AT purchasing team to forecast and meet customer product demand. Appropriately seeks customer rolling forecasts and monitors sales and inventory levels and trends with major customers.
- Deliver solution-based sales presentations to targeted customers.
- Appropriately and selectively utilize sales tools to accomplish goals.
- Prospect new accounts that identify to be strong candidates for business to AT’s strategic goals. Contact and develop new business relationships with these customers.
- Effectively communicate internally with the Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams.
- Effectively interact with customers Product Development and Marketing departments for practical promotions and programs to enhance sales.
- Participate in new AT Product Development for collaborative efforts in the successful launch of new products with targeted accounts (where applicable).
- Collaborate and work with the Product Development, Marketing, and Sales teams to address specific market needs/opportunities.
- Research, communicate, and potentially develop meaningful market and distribution trends.
- Monitor and report on the activities of competitors and identify business opportunities and/or threats.
- Attend tradeshows as required.
- Occasional domestic/account travel may be required.
- Assist with other department needs if required or as identified.
Skills and knowledge:
- Demonstrated success in establishing and developing relationships with Brick & Mortar retail accounts.
- Motivated self-starter.
- Enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit.
- Leadership skills.
- Highly collaborative yet able to function independently.
- Must be able to stage a consultative selling process that overcomes objections and indifference and connects “need” with the company’s solutions.
- Ability to understand and articulate complicated concepts in clear, concise terms. Strong solution based problem-solving skills.
- P&L experience preferred.
- Ability to learn audio technology and stay current with new innovations.
- Must be flexible, enthusiastic, and possess good human relations skills with the ability to think independently and make sound business decisions.
- Strong oral and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), and other applicable applications.
Education and Experience:
- Undergraduate business degree from an accredited institution preferred.
- Sales/Account management and business development experience preferred. Consumer electronics industry experience a plus.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stow, OH 44224