Key Account Manager - Grand Rapids, MI

Key Account Manager

If you are not already on the Imperial Beverage career page, apply here.

Paper, vacuums, and encyclopedias. All things we don't sell! That's good for you because it's a lot more fun to sell products that you're passionate about, such as beer, wine, and spirits! We are a top beverage sales company looking for a proven sales professional to out-hustle the competition and help make our local chain accounts successful with their beverage choices. Our key account managers tell us they love our diverse portfolio, the ability to use their multi-tasking and creative skills, and the relationship building that comes with presenting to decision makers at the different chain headquarters.

Will work for beer? Great! Working for a beverage distributor has its perks:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSAs, FSAs, and more. (Full time employees)
• 401(k) with traditional and Roth options, employer match, and immediate vesting
• 3.5 weeks of PTO starting in year one, accruing from day one with rollover
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Paid volunteer time to give back to the community
• Paid parental leave to welcome your newest family member. (Full time employees)
• Weekly pay
• Uber, Lyft, or taxi reimbursement when you need a safe ride home
• Kick ass events and fun across Michigan
• Domestic and international trip opportunities to learn about the beverage industry
• Referral bonuses for bringing great people to the Imperial Beverage family

The minimum total compensation for this role is listed below; pay will be determined based on experience:

$65,000 - $99,000 per year

Eat. Sleep. Grow Chains. Repeat: Our key account managers plan months in advance to sell products, ads, displays, and promotions into chain accounts (restaurants, grocery stores, etc.) across Michigan. They meet with key chain decision makers to feature new ideas through presentations and develop lasting relationships by creating successful opportunities, following through on plans, and regularly communicating, while also continuing to expand their knowledge of the beverage categories and market data. We choose key account managers who can balance multiple priorities, have a passion for sales, are goal-oriented, problem-solvers, and are determined to take risks and win. This full-time position is chain headquarters focused, requires previous sales and industry experience, availability Monday-Friday, and you must currently reside or be willing to relocate to the Wayne County area.

A day in the life

• Using market data and company reports, develop a plan for chain headquarters presentations
• Create presentations using PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
• Schedule and conduct sales calls with all assigned chain buyers and propose new product, ads, displays, and promotions for the upcoming months
• Manage chain contracts
• Communicate chain updates to sales team
• Work with multiple departments to ensure product availability, smooth transitions, and setup special events
• Complete needed documentation and reporting at home on your computer
• Grab an energy drink and head out on the road to meet with buyers and managers
• Search for and take advantage of all opportunities to build relationships in the market
• Stay up to date on industry and market trends
• Share store reset schedules with sales managers
• Focus on being flexible, creative, and the person who makes things happen

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent education and experience) in sales and business marketing
• Three or more years' beverage/corporate chain sales experience required
• 21 years of age or older
• Advanced computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with various types of people
• Must possess superior communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to coordinate processes and work well with various departments
• Ability to multi-task, pay attention to details, meet tight deadlines, and follow through until completion
• Desire to stay up-to-date on industry trends and product knowledge
• Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently
• Ability to attain a Michigan liquor control commission license
• Valid driver's license with no restriction
• Must live in assigned market or specifically designated area

Like a fine wine, Imperial Beverage has been getting better with age since 1933. We are a Michigan family-owned beverage distributor and we are passionate about helping others succeed at work and in the community. We only hire those with passion, hard work, integrity, and a strong customer focus. Once all the work is done at our fast-paced company, we also like to have fun and lots of it!