HQS Customer Manager
About The Position
Customer Manager (HQS) The Customer Manager is a salesperson responsible for being the sales expert for a designated customer, providing strategic customer insights. The Customer Manager works to ensure joint business plans are executed by the customer. This role works closely with key account managers within the assigned department, as well as order entry, claims, schematics, and retail sales associates to ensure all client and customer standards are met. The Customer Manager must possess the ability to bridge the relationship between the key account management team and all stakeholders at assigned customers. Our clients are defined as the manufacturers, vendors, or brands who have contracted Advantage as their sales force. Our customers are defined as retailers, wholesalers, or distributors to whom we sell our clients’ brands. This teammate will collaborate with customers to develop strategic plans to accomplish business goals and work with retailer associates on headquarter calls to implement programs. This teammate will own the relationship with customers and make recommendations regarding spending of clients’ trade funds to drive increased sales, and will sign, implement, and execute contracts at customers on clients’ behalf. This position also works closely with internal associates such as key account managers, order entry, claims, category management, schematics, and retail associates to increase sales volume within a market. The Customer Manager represents the entire range of products and services for all clients represented and establishes and maintains productive relationships through direct customer contact. The Customer Manager manages and coordinates the activities of the key account team, clients, and customers. The Customer Manager is a partner to the key account manager and consults on strategic planning. The Customer Manager is responsible for store visits, confirming retail execution, and identifying opportunities. Job Will Remain Open Until Filled The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (MBA preferred)
- 2–4 years experience in relevant field (Sales or Retail experience preferred)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to motivate and inspire others
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated conflict management skills
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgment
- Ability to work effectively with management
- Ability to ensure service quality is maintained
- Strong computer skills with standard office software and web browsers
Nice To Haves
- Sales or Retail experience preferred
- MBA preferred
Responsibilities
- Drive client business at assigned customer by increasing distribution, growing sales and share, and staying within budget guidelines
- Manage and coordinate sales activities through analysis of customer data, sales planning, and sales presentations
- Serve as conduit between customer, key account managers, and clients through selling presentations, new item introductions, and display selling
- Manage and delegate divisional initiatives, maintain team trackers, and ensure timely customer responses including promotional forecasts
- Manage selling recommendations to build long-term business growth
- Attend and present in client meetings and management meetings
- Conduct and manage customer meetings focused on promotional events and display execution
- Build relationships with buyers and support departments; recommend growth plans; assist with tactical issues including pricing, contracts, and execution
- Develop and leverage relationships with key influencers and decision-makers at assigned customers
- Sell displays, promotions, and new items; present business reviews; analyze scan data to build distribution recommendations
- Present pricing disparities and achieve parity in line with client guidance
- Capture weekly photos and gather weekly pricing as requested by clients
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
