Key Account Sales Executive

Key Account Sales Executive

Position Type: Full-Time / Onsite (Manhattan, New York)

Salary Range: $80,000–$110,000

Department: Kitchen

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Key Account Sales Executive manages and grows Cook With Color’s branded kitchenware business with major off-price and department store accounts. The role gets products in front of retail buyers, builds compelling assortments, negotiates profitable programs, secures purchase orders and grows repeat business. It requires strong relationship-building, negotiation and follow-through skills, plus the ability to manage several accounts in a fast-paced environment.

• Manage and grow assigned accounts, owning sales, gross margin, account planning and new business development.
• Build relationships with buyers, assistant buyers, merchandise managers and planning teams.
• Present branded collections, seasonal assortments, exclusive programs and account-specific opportunities, and turn buyer feedback into proposals and purchase orders.
• Negotiate pricing, quantities, delivery windows, payment terms and promotional support within company guidelines.
• Develop assortments around each retailer’s customer, target retail prices, margin requirements and merchandising strategy.
• For off-price accounts, evaluate opportunistic buys, available inventory, special purchases and planned programs.
• For department stores, manage seasonal presentations, assortment reviews, promotional calendars and replenishment opportunities.
• Coordinate with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Production, Logistics and Account Support to deliver on commitments.
• Maintain forecasts, open-order visibility, pipelines and account updates, and use sales and sell-through data to recommend reorders and future programs.
• Address delivery, compliance, deduction and profitability concerns with internal teams.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Direct experience selling branded physical consumer products to major retail chains, or relevant experience as a buyer or assistant buyer for those retailers.
• Direct wholesale account responsibility with off-price retailers such as TJX, HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington or Bealls, and/or department stores such as JCPenney, Macy’s or Nordstrom. Comparable chains are relevant, and experience in both channels is not required.
• Working knowledge of wholesale pricing, retailer margins, assortment development, seasonal buying cycles and purchase-order execution.
• Ability to explain your personal contribution to account growth, placements, successful programs or buying decisions.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, follow-through and Excel skills.
• Established relationships with relevant buying teams are a strong advantage.
• Ability to work onsite in Manhattan and travel for account meetings and industry events as needed.
• Store-level retail sales, general customer service, or sales outside physical consumer products alone does not meet the requirements.

EXPERIENCE

5 years of wholesale sales or retail buying experience in kitchenware, housewares, tabletop, food storage, home goods or a closely related category. Former buyers and assistant buyers interested in moving to the brand and vendor side are encouraged to apply.