SUMMARY:
The Key Account Development position is responsible for developing, opening, and strengthening prospective customer relationships. They are responsible for strategic planning and focus of potential accounts. This position often required working non-traditional hours (evening, weekends, and holidays) to successfully meet customers’ needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Research and identify prospective customers, by segment, by district for target list
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Organize facility tours with prospective customers, to include ownership participation support
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Consistent communication for the transitioning of a new account to the Sales Account Executives. Timeframe, criteria, transition plan and expectation
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Collaborate with District Sales Manager to develop strategic plan for account targets
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Building relationships with prospective customers, to include networking in geography
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Research customer’s business needs and develop a mix of products and service to meet needs
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Communicate and collect accounts receivable as necessary, working with the credit department and client; collect all balances due based on approved credit terms.
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Manage deliveries to the routing schedule published by the transportation department; troubleshoot (for example, out of stock items, special order items, low inventory, etc.).
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Utilization of software, such as Track Max Insight and Megabite online ordering system
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Profitable pricing of customers through margin evaluation of Price Contract process
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Maximizes customer drop size through aggressive account penetration
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Support of quarterly business reviews conducted with customers participating in Customer Loyalty Programs or Customer Collaboration Programs
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Driven focus on enhancing relationship with our supplier and brokerage partners for product lines by identifying new product opportunities, and/or product, packaging, and service changes
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Participate in company functions, food shows, promotions, customer visits, and customer events. Attend and participate in general sales and district meetings.
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Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Company, and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge, and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
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Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
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Requires regular attendance to perform essential element as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
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Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
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Minimum high school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent
Experience
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2 years of sales, and/or chef/restaurant management experience, and/or related (Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality; or Culinary Arts) degree
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Demonstrate aptitude of selling on value propositions, not price
Certification, Licenses, Registrations
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Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, per Upper Lakes Foods, Inc’s company vehicle policy.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Knowledge and proficiency of the following systems: Microsoft Office programs, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as the Internet.
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Ability to operate basic office equipment, i.e., copy machine and scanner.
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Ability to be flexible, to be fair, and to function under pressure.
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Great organizational and multi-tasking skills, along with the ability to solve problems.
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Must be able to complete a project from beginning to end.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS:
Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota. The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI. We specialize in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier, and community we serve by bringing the best, the best products, best people, and best ideas.
CORE VALUES:
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Strong Work Ethic– We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance, and consistency of character.
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Positive Attitude– We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable, and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.
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Integrity– We believe in honesty, truthfulness, and consistency of our actions.
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Teamwork– We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety, and service.
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Professional Appearance– We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness, and appropriate business dress.
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Respectful Interaction– We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment.
“We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.”
Education
Required