Key Account Lead Manager (Central Great Lakes Region)

JT International S.A.•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Manage national and regional landscape calling on chains with direct management responsibilities for National & Regional Account Managers to ensure the development and growth of JTI Liggett sales, share and distribution. Maximize exposure of JTI Liggett products by opening/introducing all JTI Liggett product lines to industry chain and direct accounts while operating within predetermined budgets and in compliance with all company policies and procedures. Work closely with the Key Account Director to create/develop/communicate strategic and tactical plans to improve business and expand product visibility which will support company objectives. Interview, hire and train new National and Regional Account Managers and provide sales management and cross functional teams with business updates and competitive activity. Achieve all established sales and merchandising objectives.

Requirements

BA degree in Business (Concentration in Marketing or Sales preferred);
Minimum of 7+ years of direct sales related managerial experience. With key focus on "Business to Business" sales experience;
Fluency in English;
Proficient in MS office (Excel, Word, Outlook, & PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

Ensure that JTI Liggett marketing and sales strategic and tactical plans are implemented in an efficient and effective manner with all existing Direct, Cash-N-Carry and Chain accounts: In order to grow JTI share and sales volume to maximize brand awareness on all categories. Review/audit chain accounts compliance to JTI Merchandising programs to ensure account adherence to agreed upon JTI Merchandising platform;
Ability to identify and contact (cold call) prospective business development direct and chain opportunities that exist in their assigned geography. Work closely with National Key Account Managers & Regional Account Managers to identify, then introduce JTI products to all industry direct and chain accounts that currently do not stock JTI Liggett products. Utilize Wholesaler & Retailer data, personal industry knowledge, state and trade associations, trade publications and government agencies, to identify these accounts, to increase our penetration of the total market;
In conjunction with the Key Account Director, create both strategic and tactical plans that will improve our sales and merchandising penetration. Implement these new marketing and sales strategies and programs to all assigned direct and chains accounts;
Achieve product sales, distribution, merchandising, adequate inventory levels and product quality objectives whiles staying within assigned promotional budget. Set annual volume targets for assigned chain workload and be able to recommend strategies to capitalize on volume growth opportunities;
In collaboration with the marketing team, develop programs to build our business in existing and new accounts on all categories. Effectively and efficiently communicate industry and competitive activity to the sales management cross functional teams with recommending strategic and tactical response to these new situations;
Recruit, motivate and guide the professional development of the team reporting directly and indirectly to the incumbent;
Manage various tasks and projects as they arise and upon manager’s request.