Southwest Regional Account Manager

Company: AAK USA
Location: Louisville
Posted on: September 16, 2023

Job Description:

Account Manager - Southwest RegionOur story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people all across the globe.We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it's not just food - we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.Everything we do is about Making Better Happen---.AAK Louisville Louisville, KY.LOCATIONAbout the role Account Manager who will be responsible for managing and growing an established territory and account base in the Southwestern United States territory. Establishing, maintaining and cultivating business/customer relations, collaborating with technical people to develop new solutions and managing pricing and profitability. The region includes Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas.Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Execution:----Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic account management plan for the Southwest region, driving revenue growth, achieving sales targets, and fostering client relationships.----Create annual territory strategic plans aligned with organizational goals, monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed.Prepare detailed Account Plans for key accounts, outlining objectives, strategies, and action plans to exceed sales targets.Market Research and Business Development:Conduct market research to identify potential customers, analyze trends, and capitalize on new business opportunities.Engage key decision-makers in the ingredients industry to establish partnerships and grow the customer base.Drive lead generation and pursue profitable business opportunities while collaborating with the Go-to-Market team.Identify and tap into new segments and channels through targeted business development activities.Customer Relationship Management:Present compelling product offerings, negotiate contracts, and develop tailored solutions for customers' needs.Foster collaborative relationships with customers in functional areas such as Product Development and Procurement.Address formulation challenges, offer comprehensive support, and leverage technical resources when necessary.Collaborate with quality and customer service teams to swiftly resolve issues and ensure a seamless customer experience.Maintain close interaction with the Customer Service team to meet customer expectations.Assist in collecting Past Due Invoices and resolving discrepancies to facilitate timely payments.Financial Management and Operations:Formulate pricing strategies and establish favorable supply agreements to optimize profitability.Efficiently manage territory travel and expenses, maximizing resources and outcomes.Deliver accurate forecasts based on market insights and historical data to anticipate demand.Continuous Learning and Industry Awareness:Stay informed about industry regulations, market conditions, and competition to maintain a competitive edge.Collaborate with sourcing and trading groups, providing customers with valuable insights and impactful presentations.Actively participate in training activities to enhance skills and stay updated on industry advancements.About you --- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field. MBA preferred.--- Residency in the sales region is mandatory. (preferably Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas)--- Over 10 years of experience in Specialty food ingredients or specialty chemicals sales, with a strong preference for experience selling in Texas.--- Possess exceptional "hunting" skills, demonstrating a proven ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities.--- Possess outstanding problem-solving skills and the ability to cultivate robust relationships both internally and externally.--- Demonstrate a track record of strong customer relations, prioritizing customer satisfaction and retention.--- Exhibit highly effective organization and planning skills, enabling efficient management of a territory and achievement of sales targets.--- Self-starter with the capacity to work independently and proactively.--- Display a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and embrace new challenges, showcasing an entrepreneurial mindset.--- Candidates must possess current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.In return AAK offer---Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offering potential for you to progress your future career---Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire---Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500---401(k) Plan with 100% match---Free Life and Disability insurance---Employee Assistance Program---Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans---Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more---Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities---Amazon AwardCo recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognitionAbout AAKEverything AAK does is about Making Better Happen---. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK's offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malm, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen--- for more than 150 years.AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment. #ZR

Keywords: AAK USA, Louisville , Southwest Regional Account Manager, Executive , Louisville, Kentucky