Account Development Specialist

The Account Development Specialists are responsible for maximizing the sales and marketing of supplier brands to a targeted account base through effective planning, selling, merchandising and communication that permits achievement of company and supplier objectives.

• Maintains key accounts, by effectively communicating marketing plans, maintaining relationships with influencers (bartenders and promoters), presenting new products and cocktail and wine list offerings, and conducting business reviews as prescribed by management.
• Produces wine, and cocktail lists by working with CENTIV or in house graphic department.
• Determines specific needs of individual accounts by analyzing account and surveying for opportunities.
• Establishes merchandising objectives relative to brand priority for each account by understanding company priorities and defining POS needs to the supplier.
• Supports sales representatives as a training and information resource by presenting and sharing account trends and brand knowledge.
• Facilitates accounts visits, dinners for dignitaries and supplier representatives by scheduling and preparing accounts to meet the expectations of suppliers and management.
• Prepares and delivers professional sales presentations to customers by balancing the company’s priorities and customers’ needs to include selling new products, well and back bar placements and resets, drink and wine lists and promotions.
• Obtains appropriate distribution of supplier brands throughout account base by presenting and selling based on the brands’ features and benefits.
• Understands company pricing and product programming information on a monthly basis by reviewing and maintaining accurate and up to date records.
• Understands competitive pricing and product programming by reviewing pricing schedules and surveying accounts.
• Ensures maximum brand visibility within accounts by maintaining account standards as determined by management and using effective and current point of sale materials when appropriate.
• Educates account staff on priority brands by administering instructional staff training seminars.
• Assists event-marketing manager by helping to organize and execute events and brand promotions to maximize brand visibility.
• Completes all necessary training programs by attending, participating, and passing all required tests as defined by management. (e.g. WSSM, TOPS, FOCUS MARKETING, SFA).
• Maintains professional relationships with all suppliers by participating in effective supplier work-with sales calls.
• Maintains professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks.
• Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent training and work experience preferred.
• Minimum of two years in sales or industry related experience, required
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to use diplomacy and discretion.
• Must be a detail and results-oriented, deadline-driven professional with excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team.
• Strong accounting skills, and proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various programs including presentation software.
• Familiarity with assigned territory is a plus.
• The position requires the use of a personal motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands of Job:

• Carrying and lifting 45-65 pounds
• Overhead and immediate reaching to perform various duties
• Standing and walking for periods of time to perform various duties
• Squatting or bending to perform various duties as assigned