Area Account Manager - East

COMPANY INFO:

Kretek International, a leading importer, marketer, and distributor of specialty tobacco products in the U.S., is home to renowned brands such as Djarum, Cuban Rounds, Clipper Lighters, High Tea Herbal Wraps along with other OTP items. With over 40 years of industry leadership, Kretek is committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Join our dynamic, results-driven team and be part of shaping the future of specialty tobacco.

Visit us at www.Kretek.com for more details.

PURPOSE OF JOB:

As the Area Account Manager(East Coast), you will be instrumental in driving growth and strengthening Kretek’s relationships with key accounts. The role includes ensuring compliance with volume agreements, identifying growth opportunities, and addressing challenges. In addition to managing key accounts, you will oversee National Account responsibilities along with Local Distributors, Cash & Carry channel customers and provide support for trade shows and promotional programs.

Products Sold: Tobacco Products, Alternative Products, and “OTP” Other Tobacco Products within the category.

This position will be regionally focused and will cover the states on the Eastern Coastline. (FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, CN, NJ, RI, NH, VT, ME, and MA). The candidate will need to reside in that geographic area, with access to a main city airport.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This position demands strategic thinking, proactive relationship management, and collaboration across departments to align with Kretek’s business objectives.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key accounts within the Local Distributor channel along with National Accounts to ensure business growth and alignment.
• Oversee assigned Cash & Carry accounts thus providing support for trade shows, promotional activities, and customer-specific programs.
• Conduct regular visits and market assessments to address customer needs and identify opportunities.
• AAM will lead and manage Kretek International sales and strategies for assigned local distributors, cash and carry accounts along with selection of regional chain accounts within sales territory consisting of multiple states.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with Director of National Accounts and senior leadership to develop and implement strategies that support company objectives and account needs.
• Provide actionable feedback on market risks, opportunities, and competitive threats.
• Recommend innovative solutions to improve operational efficiencies and capitalize on growth potential.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze sales and market data to inform decisions and develop impactful presentations.
• Prepare detailed sales forecasts and evaluate new product introductions and promotions.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness in processing invoices and payment requests.
• Company provided reports to the Director of National Accounts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with departments such as Inside Sales, Finance, and Marketing to meet account and company objectives.
• Serve as the liaison between key accounts and internal teams, ensuring seamless operations and issue resolution.

Performance Monitoring

• Track the effectiveness of promotional initiatives and volume agreements, sharing insights for continuous improvement.
• Provide regular updates on account performance and identify areas for optimization.

Travel and Logistics

• Minimum 75% travel requirements to engage with customers across a multi-state territory.
• Manage promotional materials, product samples, and displays for customer engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sales, with at least 6 years in distribution channel sales.
• Experience in the tobacco or OTP industry is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CRM tools.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with the ability to manage field travel needs.
• Flexibility to travel extensively, including overnight stays.

Supervisory Responsibility:

The position currently has no people supervisory responsibility 

What We Offer

Kretek International fosters a culture of growth, innovation, and collaboration. We offer competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of a growing industry.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be added at any time per business needs.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.