Summary

The Sales Account Executive is primarily responsible to execute a go-to-market strategy and meet annual sales objectives in an assigned territory. Through the successful development and execution of a local market sales plan, you will manage trade spend, negotiate pricing, deliver against marketing initiatives and ensure compliance with programs. Primarily focused on distributors, the Account Executive will drive business profitability through selling the Simplot product portfolio and ensuring sales results. Must reside or be willing to relocate to the Cincinnati area!  

Key Responsibilities

• Profile and penetrate key operator accounts determined by local sales management that are critical to the success of territory sales.
• Fully embrace and become proficient with the Simplot Sales Process and executing the go-to-market strategies of the Food Service Division.
• Using a consultative approach, communicate the selling benefits of the Simplot product line in addition to the sale of products to ensure that customers are provided with the product knowledge they need to be successful.
• Establish and develop relationships with key management and sales personnel at assigned focus distributors and other market channels. Accumulate information to understand these various customers to interact as needed.
• Lift and carry 30 pounds, utilize culinary influence and conduct product demos, work in a commercial kitchen, and demonstrate product to customers.
• Deliver on set sales goals and manage product portfolio.
• Represent the full Simplot product line in all sales capacities. Conduct sales calls to key leverage operators in the market, sometimes extending across multiple markets. Utilize various means to recruit and establish new partnerships for the sales of products.
• Build relationships and partner with various internal departments such as Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Culinary, Demand Planning, Production, and Logistics to accomplish key initiatives and complete day-to-day operations.    
• Research industry and marketing trends and develop product suggestions based on findings. Supply programs, information, and tools that aid selling efforts.
• Be actively engaged in promoting and driving sales across the entire food service product portfolio with priority emphasis on those product categories and individual products identified as the most strategically and financially important to the division.
• Be highly engaged in the use and leverage available with the Simplot CRM system (salesforce.com) to drive efficiency and strong results.
• Work to drive customer acceptance of new product introductions and other innovation as relevant to the market.
• Understand local market dynamics – operators, distributors, competitors, etc. – and incorporate as necessary into local market sales plans
• Effectively manage and utilize budgeted trade dollars related to operator and distributor spending.
• Ensure sales forecast and profit targets are met.
• Consistent with the division marketing calendar, will be responsible to execute promotional and other scheduled activities to drive results.
• Identify or follow-up on new operator sales opportunities with ability to assess the opportunity and match to product and other solutions; e.g., merchandising, recipe, culinary, etc.
• Successfully persuade and influence operators, distributors, and internal teams without authority in a professional and collaborative way.

Typical Education

• Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university(required)

Relevant Experience

• 3+ years of foodservice sales experience
• Foodservice industry strongly preferred
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds required
• Ability to travel/drive up to 50% required, 25% would include overnight and the remaining would be in market travel to operator/customers.
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter and proven ability to successfully multi-task and manage unexpected demands of daily activities
• Strong presentation, written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs and Sales Reporting Systems
• Mobility is strongly preferred
• Disclaimer - These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified

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