National Accounts Manager

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

Maintain and grow profitable sales with new and existing accounts in the US. Include but not limited to focus on B2C and B2B2C channels.  Provide outstanding customer service to contribute to the growth and success of Kagome Inc. Meet expectations of Kagome leadership.

Support the review, understanding and compliance of all programs, policies and procedures contained in the Food Safety and Quality Management System. Understand my role in food safety and regulatory responsibilities as required by the SQF Food Safety Code and report any food safety concerns to initiate appropriate action. Actively participate and support the 5S and MES initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain and grow existing accounts through line extensions and account penetration. Target and prioritize to insure alignment with Kagome’s goals and strategies. Develop and grow internal and external business relationships to maximize success.

1. Work closely with internal stakeholders to create and manage effective strategy and business plans. Develop and uphold successful business relationships with Kagome CI&I and all key functions within Kagome.

1. Possess a self-motivated and ongoing focus on education and training of company products, capabilities, procedures and operations.

1. Manage customer relationships at all levels within each account and throughout the supply chain. Utilize pre-call protocol and provide detailed follow-up to all sales calls.  Generate profitable business by developing company and customer strategies that address goals, objectives, and culture.  Conduct effective sales calls and sales presentations. Manage appropriate product and marketing initiatives. Organize and execute customer and industry trade shows.

1. Promptly respond to requests and concerns of customers, management and stakeholders.  Assist accounts payable and receivable departments.  Respond to internal and customer projects/requests in a timely and organized fashion.

1. Reports including monthly progress updates, account prioritization and pipeline updates.   Comprehensive Salesforce Tool utilization. Project management including justifying and implementing product development and costing initiatives.

1. Provide prompt and concise responses to internal and external stakeholders regarding any Quality issues.  Coordinate with company Quality team.   

1. Support the review, understanding and compliance of all programs, policies and procedures contained in the Master Food Safety and Quality Management System.

POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Geography:

Ideal candidate will live in or have easy access to markets served.

Internal Contacts:                              

VP Sales and Marketing, Creative Director, Sales Team, CI&I, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Leadership, Accounting/Administration Departments, HR.

External Contacts:                             

            Customers, Prospects, Supply Chain, Industry Resources and Organizations.

Education Level and Focus:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Business and/or Food Science with emphasis in Business or Marketing, Economics, Public Relations, or equivalent.

Years and Type of Related Experience Required:

5-10 years minimum of successful B2B, B2C and B2B2C sales experience. 

Skills & Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication:

         Strong verbal and written skills. Exhibits enthusiasm, self-motivation, and strong initiative, with ability to be a team player.  Concise and timely communications both internally and externally.   Able to integrate written and verbal skills into the sales process. Strong presentation skills.  Effectively promotes Kagome within the Industry.

Technical and Analytical:

            Ability to understand and analyze business. Ability to recommend and implement change

            for improvement and growth.  Able to quantitatively and qualitatively

qualify profitable business opportunities.  Define and communicate market trends and      competitive threats. Effectively utilize Salesforce and other systems of business management. Ability to prepare product and menu concepts for presentation to customers.

Administrative and Operations:

            Ability to respond to corporate directives with emphasis on company policy

            and direction.  Ability to plan work & travel to maximize results.

Physical Demands:

       Travel 40% to 50% of the time by plane and car.  Lifting, transporting and working with supplies, products and equipment

Work Environment:

       40 to 50% time out in the field, frequently in automobile, plane, or other offices.  Sales presentations and follow-up.  Remainder of time in home-based office. This is a Safety Sensitive position. 

Special Equipment Used:

       Presentation aids for shows, sales meeting and sales calls.  Computer, printer, projectors, phone. Kitchen equipment.