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. Through development and execution of a local market sales plan, the role 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 product line across sales activities, develops operator and distributor relationships, identifies new opportunities, and promotes new product introductions. It requires frequent customer travel, product demonstrations, and collaboration with internal departments. The position is remote in the Knoxville area and reports travel of up to 25%, while the experience section describes travel or driving up to 50%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university.
Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds.
Ability to travel or drive up to 50%; the posting also states travel required is up to 25%, with 25% including overnight travel and the remaining travel occurring in-market.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and successfully manage multiple tasks and 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 develop key operator accounts identified by local sales management as critical to territory success.
Learn and apply the Simplot Sales Process and Food Service Division go-to-market strategies.
Use a consultative approach to communicate product benefits and provide customers with the product knowledge they need.
Establish relationships with management and sales personnel at assigned focus distributors and other market channels.
Deliver sales goals, manage the product portfolio, and represent the full Simplot product line.
Conduct sales calls with key operators, including across multiple markets when needed.
Recruit and establish new partnerships for product sales.
Collaborate with Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Culinary, Demand Planning, Production, and Logistics on initiatives and daily operations.
Research industry and marketing trends and develop product suggestions based on findings.
Provide programs, information, and tools that support sales efforts.
Promote sales across the food service portfolio, with priority emphasis on strategically and financially important products and categories.
Use the Simplot CRM system (salesforce.com) to support efficiency and 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 sales plans.
Manage budgeted trade spending for operators and distributors.
Meet sales forecasts and profit targets.
Execute promotions and other scheduled activities in line with the division marketing calendar.
Identify and follow up on new operator sales opportunities, assessing needs and matching them with products and solutions such as merchandising, recipes, or culinary support.
Persuade and influence operators, distributors, and internal teams professionally and collaboratively, without direct authority.
Lift and carry 30 pounds, conduct product demonstrations, use culinary influence, and work in commercial kitchens.