Account Executive (Grand Rapids)

OBJECTIVE
Gilson is seeking an Account Executive (Sales) with experience in graphic arts, commercial print, packaging, signage, displays, promotional products, design, print production, marketing services, or a related production-driven creative industry. This role is ideal for someone who understands how creative ideas become produced materials and enjoys helping customers solve business challenges through print, packaging, branded merchandise, fulfillment, signage, direct mail, and marketing solutions. The right candidate will combine strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to manage details, timelines, specifications, estimates, and follow-through. Prior sales experience is valuable, but we are also open to candidates from print production, estimating, customer service, project management, design, packaging, or promotional products who have the drive and customer focus to grow into an Account Executive role.

SUPERVISOR
Position reports to the Sales Managers.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Account Management & Growth

• Build and grow strong customer relationships by understanding their goals, uncovering needs, recommending relevant print, packaging, signage, promotional, fulfillment, and marketing solutions, and identifying opportunities to expand account value
• Develop a strong working knowledge of Gilson's products, services, production capabilities, systems, workflows, and customer support resources
• Guide customers through project details, including specifications, timing, estimates, artwork, production requirements, delivery expectations, and follow-up
• Oversee day-to-day communication and manage customer expectations; proactively communicate timelines, action items, and changes to maintain alignment and customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with estimating, customer service, design, prepress, production, fulfillment, and other internal teams to ensure accurate job specifications, clear expectations, and successful outcomes
• Use the CRM to document client information, track communications, and support account growth strategies
• Meet defined retention and account growth targets

New Business Development
• Drive new business by prospecting, qualifying, and closing opportunities with clients who need print, packaging, signage, branded merchandise, direct mail, fulfillment, retail graphics, or marketing production support
• Lead discovery conversations to understand customer challenges, project goals, buying processes, specifications, volumes, timing, and decision criteria
• Own the full sales cycle from initial outreach through close
• Coordinate and collaborate on proposal development, estimates, samples, presentations, and sales materials
• Actively manage, forecast, and advance the sales pipeline using the CRM to provide visibility into pipeline health and growth opportunities.
• Meet or exceed individual sales goals for revenue, new accounts, and close rates

Additional Responsibilities
• Leverage and embrace AI-powered tools to support prospecting, follow-ups, meeting preparation, and sales efficiency as appropriate
• Local and occasional national travel may be required
• Represent Gilson professionally to prospective customers and partners, as well as at industry events.

REQUIREMENTS
To successfully perform this job, an individual must fulfill each role and responsibility listed above. The following qualifications are representative of the education and training, experience, attitude, knowledge, and skills required:

Education and Training
• Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred
• Ongoing participation in professional sales and account management training is encouraged

Experience
• Required: Experience in graphic arts, commercial print, packaging, signage, promotional products, branded merchandise, retail displays, print production, design, marketing services, or another related production-driven creative industry
• Preferred: 3-5 years of experience in B2B sales, account management, customer service, estimating, project management, production coordination, or business development within print, packaging, signage, promotional products, manufacturing, marketing services, or a related field
• Strong candidates may come from sales, account management, customer service, estimating, project
management, production, design, packaging, signage, wide format, promotional products, or creative services backgrounds

Attitude
• Strong results-driven and competitive mindset
• High expectations of self and accountability for outcomes
• Professional, confident, and customer-focused approach
• Commitment to continuous improvement and growth

Knowledge and Aptitude
• Proficient in Microsoft® Office applications, Dynamics CRM (or equivalent), and MIS systems
• Comfortable using virtual meeting platforms
• Embrace AI-powered tools with a commitment to personal growth
• Functional knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, print specifications, artwork files, substrates, finishing, packaging, signage, direct mail, fulfillment, or promotional products is preferred
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills

Skills
Communications Skills
• Communicate confidently and professionally with prospects and customers
• Present solutions, proposals, and recommendations clearly
• Navigate difficult or sensitive conversations by addressing concerns, changes, delays, and objections in a professional, respectful, and solution-oriented manner while maintaining strong relationships.

Professional & Sales Skills
• Set and achieve individual sales goals and action plans
• Manage multiple opportunities, accounts, specifications, estimates, and timelines with strong attention to detail
• Maintain momentum through proactive outreach, follow-through, and organization
• Demonstrate strong time management, decision-making, and ownership skills

BENEFITS
• Competitive Compensation (base salary + uncapped commission structure with strong earning potential)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Expense Reimbursement and Company-Provided Phone or Stipend
• A collaborative, growth-oriented culture where employees can make a direct impact
• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across print, packaging, and marketing solutions

Compensation details: 1000000 Yearly Salary

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