Account Manager, Foodservice Distribution

Join Huhtamaki

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We're on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.

You could be part of our vision. Because it's our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It's every one of us working together.

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for creating profitable sales growth through existing and new foodservice distributors and operators within their defined market which is made up of California and Nevada. Visits clients, assesses client needs, suggests appropriate Huhtamaki products, and improves brand awareness within their markets. Ensures effective implementation of sales plans. Responds to inquiries, negotiates sales, and conclude sales orders.

Externally interface with purchasing, sales, marketing, and management at operators and/or distributors to gain product categories and protect existing business. Process pricing, deductions, and promotional activity with the distributors to ensure proper business processes are followed for profitable returns. Externally target, approach, and close business with key operators (restaurants, school districts, colleges & universities, stadiums, etc.) to drive incremental sales.

Internally, work closely with Management, Product Management, Commercial Excellence, Customer Service, and other support functions (pricing, deductions, marketing, accounts receivable, credit, graphics, quality control, and manufacturing) to get the needed support to profitably grow and service the business in the Region.

Essential Functions

• Own customer relationships to drive growth and develop new customer targets (i.e. pipeline). Telephone, email/written correspondence, market visits, trade shows, and attendance/participation in other professional organizations.
• Create and execute account strategy for each customer ensuring alignment of the Huhtamaki organization. Create and negotiate contract customer proposals. Maintain specific account budget, marketing needs, and overall health of the accounts.
• Deliver annual sales and contribution margin target.
• Participate in the commercialization process for new items or item/packaging/graphic changes. May also include requests in cooperation with supply chain partners.
• Learn and use sales tools and processes (i.e. CRM, account management, negotiation, pipeline management, margin management, etc.)
• Customer liaison to Huhtamaki Corporate (marketing, manufacturing, graphics, customer service, forecasting, and pricing/deductions).

Job Qualifications

Required

• Committed to Huhtamaki's values and upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Located within the Market (California or Nevada).
• In-depth knowledge of Foodservice Distribution industry, purchasing trends, go-to market strategies, and processes. A minimum of 5 years of experience is required in Foodservice Distribution.
• Excellent communication, listening, and presentation skills, both verbal and written. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, comfortable with quantitative analysis.
• Collaborative and influential without formal authority, comfortable with people of diverse backgrounds and skill sets, able to manage conflict and build commitment to goals.
• Sense of urgency and ability to work independently, organizing and directing own work toward meeting objectives.
• Strong track record of prior success, curiosity, coachability, intelligence, and work ethic.
• Undergraduate Degree in Business or Analytical Field, or similar work experience in one of these disciplines.

Environment

• Work within office-type settings most of each day with controlled climate conditions.
• Hours vary depending on customer needs.
• Willing to travel as required (up to 60%) for customer meetings, market visits and training.
• This role is located within the Western region of the U.S.

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.