Account Executive (Niles)

Cotton Candy is a proudly North American marketing company with offices in both Canada and the United States, specializing in branded merchandise—also known as promotional products or swag. We help organizations bring their brands to life through tangible marketing solutions, managing everything from creative concepting and product sourcing to customization, online stores, importing, warehousing, and fulfillment for clients across North America.

Additionally, we operate Cotton Candy Total Rewards, a trusted employee recognition and rewards division that leverages a global platform to deliver seamless, scalable programs with meaningful, personalized impact.

With a well-established company-wide culture of teamwork, determination, and a commitment to excellence, the employee-owned Cotton Candy has emerged as a leading organization with a unified voice, a proven track record, and a proudly independent spirit.

For much of our nearly thirty-five-year history, our company motto has been “Great Minds Thinking Differently.” It’s as much a promise we make to our clients as it is a benchmark expectation we set for ourselves every day to deliver creative thinking, consistent execution, and exceptional results.

Where do you come in?

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Account Executive to join our growing Chicago team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving sales growth and expanding our market presence through effective business development strategies.

You will be responsible for providing the highest level of client service in the business while striving to maintain standards of professionalism that set the bar for an entire industry. You will do whatever it takes to meet every deadline; in short, become a quintessential Cotton Candy team member.

Some duties you will be required to partake include:

• Prospect for new business including researching and identifying potential clients, markets, and partnerships (via email, phone, LinkedIn, networking, events, etc.)
• Develop, manage, and nurture new and existing business accounts to meet and exceed profit and volume goals
• Take a consultative approach with clients to build a solid understanding of their business, brand, and required needs as it relates to branded merchandise and promotional products
• Source and quote domestic and overseas branded merchandise items
• Compose professional presentations for potential and existing clientele to highlight value proposition, creativity, and our differentiators
• Attend local supplier tradeshows, in house supplier presentations, and offsite CCI sales meetings where required
• Manage quality control on all orders and assist with solving any order related problems should they arise
• Work closely with sales coordinators, marketing & design, and operational team members to ensure orders flow smoothly
• Where possible, develop and implement new systems to improve efficiency
• Monitor records and reports including shipping, receiving, and order fulfillment to ensure customer satisfaction

What are we looking for?

• University or College education
• Proven experience in sales or account management, ideally in the promotional product or related industry, with a track record of meeting and exceeding targets
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Demonstrated leadership in academic, athletic, civic and/or professional endeavors
• Fluent with Microsoft Office and Outlook software
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong work ethic
• Client focused approach to business
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Creative and Innovative thinking

What’s in it for you?

• Permanent position with a rapidly growing, dynamic organization
• Opportunity to work in a creative, client-focused, results driven organization who truly values their employees
• Total of 4 weeks of paid time off
• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to participate in Benefit Program (medical, dental, vision coverage)
• Best of all, you get to be a part of the Cotton Candy Team!

** Cotton Candy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. **