Account Executive - Columbia SC

US Foods•Lexington, SC

2d•$60,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Account Executive owns assigned customer relationships and drives sales growth, item and category penetration, and profitability. The role coordinates and leads the Customer Service Representative and Account Coordinator as a unified sales team to provide optimal account service and align with customer contracts. It calls for a sustained record of sales achievement and complete knowledge of the organization’s policies, products, and services. Travel is required, with anticipated field time of at least four days per week. The Account Executive develops existing accounts, achieves the annual sales plan through account growth, presents products and programs, manages product mix for profitability and contract compliance, and communicates performance, product, program, and market updates to customers. The role is ultimately responsible for the sales team’s results on assigned accounts and supports account service, receivables targets, program compliance, account profiles and pricing accuracy. The position also supports new account rollouts and attends meetings, training sessions, food shows, and conferences as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
A minimum of three years of sales or distribution experience required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Customer service and presentation abilities.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability and negotiation skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing preferred.
Foodservice industry or related experience preferred.
Restaurant operations experience desirable.
Experience using quantitative and qualitative research data helpful.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain existing accounts through personal visits and systematic follow-up.
Achieve the annual sales plan through growth and penetration of existing accounts.
Present new ideas and products from primary vendors and exclusive brands to build account penetration and loyalty.
Manage product mix to maximize profit goals and ensure contract compliance.
Communicate mutual performance, new products, programs, and market trends to customers, including through periodic formal Business Reviews.
Lead the Account Coordinator and Customer Service Representatives in delivering optimum account service and coordinating with operations and purchasing as needed.
Maximize Account Executive time spent with customers.
Meet or exceed accounts receivable currency targets, coordinating with central Accounts Receivable as needed.
Review accounts for program compliance, develop sales approaches, identify customer needs, and expand sales.
Maintain account profiles, including order guides, statement periodicals, and overall reporting, and verify pricing information.
Attend sales meetings, training sessions, food shows, and conferences as deemed necessary by management and customer requirements.
Set up and support the rollout of new accounts as assigned.