Account Executive- Knoxville

Simplot•Knoxville, TN

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Sales Account Executive executes a go-to-market strategy and meets annual sales objectives in an assigned territory. The role develops and executes a local market sales plan, manages trade spend, negotiates pricing, delivers marketing initiatives, and ensures compliance with programs. Primarily focused on distributors, the Account Executive drives business profitability by selling the Simplot product portfolio and achieving sales results. The person must reside or be willing to relocate to the Knoxville area. The role represents the full Simplot food service product line, develops relationships with operators and distributor personnel, and works collaboratively with internal teams to deliver sales and marketing initiatives. It includes customer-facing product demonstrations and culinary engagement, analysis of local market and industry trends, management of trade dollars, and use of the Simplot CRM system to drive sales effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university.
Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds.
Ability to travel or drive up to 50%; travel includes overnight trips and in-market travel to operators and customers.
Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter and to multitask and manage unexpected daily demands.
Strong presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and sales reporting systems.
Must reside or be willing to relocate to the Knoxville area.

Nice To Haves

Mobility is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Profile and penetrate key operator accounts identified by local sales management as critical to territory sales.
Learn and execute the Simplot Sales Process and Food Service Division go-to-market strategies.
Communicate product benefits and provide customers with product knowledge using a consultative approach.
Establish relationships with management and sales personnel at assigned focus distributors and other market channels, and gather information to support customer interactions.
Use culinary influence, conduct product demonstrations, work in commercial kitchens, and demonstrate products to customers.
Deliver sales goals and manage the product portfolio.
Represent the full Simplot product line, conduct sales calls to key leverage operators, and recruit and establish new sales partnerships.
Partner with internal departments, including Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Culinary, Demand Planning, Production, and Logistics, to complete initiatives and daily operations.
Research industry and marketing trends and develop product suggestions; provide programs, information, and tools that support selling efforts.
Promote sales across the food service portfolio, prioritizing strategically and financially important categories and products.
Use the Simplot CRM system (salesforce.com) to support efficient sales results.
Drive customer acceptance of new products and other relevant innovations.
Understand local market dynamics, including operators, distributors, and competitors, and incorporate them into local market sales plans.
Manage budgeted trade spending for operators and distributors.
Meet sales forecasts and profit targets.
Execute promotions and scheduled activities consistent with the division marketing calendar.
Identify or follow up on operator sales opportunities and assess how products and other solutions, such as merchandising, recipes, or culinary support, can meet customer needs.
Persuade and influence operators, distributors, and internal teams without direct authority in a professional and collaborative manner.