Senior Account Executive, National Accounts

Summary

The Senior Accounts Executive (SAE) is responsible to work with a diverse portfolio of business for key National Account Operators. Through assigned operators, the National Accounts Senior Account Executive will manage account penetration, including new product development, new account conversions and annual financial objectives. By developing and executing to an annual sales plan, the National Accounts Sales Account Executive will work to sell the portfolio of Simplot products and grow the business through partnering with marketing, through strategic and tactical plans, ensure successful contract negotiations and contract compliance.

Eligible candidates must reside in the geography which includes: WI, IL, OH (preferred)

Key Responsibilities

• Consistent with strategic business objectives, build, own and execute a successful go-to-market strategy that will drive business growth and sales covering large markets, calling on both commercial and non-commercial segments comprised of complex, large volume independent operators and regional multi-unit chains.
• Through a deep understanding of P&L, utilize business acumen skills to develop and manage a budget, advise and make financial tradeoffs for owned accounts.
• Profile and penetrate strategic key operator accounts determined by sales management that are critical to achieving established sales goals and growing the business.
• Research industry and marketing trends and develop product suggestions based on findings.
• Drive customer acceptance of new product introductions and other innovation, as relevant to the market.
• Using a consultative approach, communicate the benefits of the Simplot portfolio to ensure that customers are provided with the product knowledge they need to be successful.
• Conduct product demos utilizing culinary influence, with an eye towards innovation.
• Establish and develop relationships with key decision makers at assigned operators.
• Build relationships and partner with various internal departments such as Sales Planning, Corporate Accounts, Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Culinary, Demand Planning, Production, and Logistics to accomplish key initiatives and complete day-to-day operations.
• Proven understanding of culinary and ability to effectively partner with chefs
• Demonstrate strong ability to align and manage across cross-functional teams to manage product development and manage customers’ expectations and own the customer experience end-to-end
• Deliver excellent presentations at all levels of an organization
• Be highly engaged with the use of the Simplot CRM system (salesforce.com) to drive efficiency and strong results, and fully embrace and become proficient with the Simplot Sales Process.

Typical Education

• Bachelor's Degree from 4-year college or university required

Relevant Experience

• 5+ years of industry knowledge in Foodservice Sales required
• Ability to travel up to 40% required
• Proven success developing sales strategies, negotiating and managing pricing
• Strong ability to influence without authority and demonstrate organizational savvy
• Self-motivator and ability to influence teams without authority
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and to manage complex and unexpected demands from daily activities
• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs and Sales Reporting Systems