Key Account Manager, California

~ Being healthy is essential to being happy and we believe that good health is an important part of treating yourself well. With a 40 year plus heritage of providing wellness, Country Life's high quality products have been helping you stay happy and healthy since 1971. We are passionate about our commitment to provide you with the best. Our Country Life Pledge of Integrity means that every product we provide comes with a guarantee of high quality, and purity in every bottle. ~

Position Overview 

The [Regional] Sales and Key Accounts Manager: Desert Essence, is a key member of the brand team responsible for managing Distributor, Key Account and direct sales for the region. Current line is mainly in natural channel through distribution, internet via direct and distributor, and specialty retail. Account management at all levels as well as broker management is required. 

Position Scope: 

• Sales Revenue - $10MM
• Key Accounts, Sprouts, Western Whole Foods, all Western natural stores
• SKUs = 100 

Responsibilities 

• Drive West Coast Sales through Broker Management, Account Planning and identification of new opportunities 
• Participate in annual planning and ongoing management of plan to achieve growth
• Work with broker sales managers and reps to ensure Desert Essence retail programs are presented and executed at both distributors and retailers. Maintain key account promotional budgets and plans
• Review credits to assure compliance
• Plan and attend tradeshows and tabletops in keeping with budgetary oversight
• Maintain key customer relationships with suppliers (distributors), retailers, and direct customers including internet accounts
• Improve sales effectiveness and develop promotional programs to drive penetration and total sales goals
• Responsible for integrating new products quickly and increasing distribution levels on new and existing products
• Establish sales, promotional, merchandising strategy encompassing different routes to market, varied customer bases, and distribution channels
• Ensure all necessary requirements and paperwork is done according to customer's timelines and policies
• Satisfactory completion of appropriate corporate training as related to the position and/or department
• Assures compliance to regulatory standards as required by the brand / department
• Contributes to overall achievement by accomplishing related tasks and demonstrating characteristics that exemplify team building and support 

Note: The above is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other activities may be assigned as required by management. 

Qualifications 

Experience and Skills: 

• 5 years sales experience in Natural Products Industry preferably Health and Beauty
• Previous experience with Natural Distribution
• Experience managing broker networks
• Experience in mass channels a plus
• Established contacts and relationships with potential customers and channel partners
• Sales experience that is built on "opening doors" in sections of the retail marketplace that are relevant targets (Natural, grocery, etc)
• Outstanding consultative selling abilities and excellent interpersonal skills with executive level customers and partners
• Strong negotiation skills
• Proven sales record of success
• Extremely strong computer and analytical skills. Ability to analyze what is happening in the selling environment and uncovers opportunities
• Entrepreneurial style with "rolled-up-sleeves" work ethic working on a small, dynamic team
• Understanding of the risks and rewards of different channels of distribution (Specialty/Mass/Independents)
• A problem solver, not a problem presenter
• Collaborative - developer of effective working relationships inside and outside the organization
• Strong competitive landscape knowledge and external mindset and perspective
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• High energy, enthusiastic, focused, determined
• Excellent written communication skills; articulate speaker and good listener at all levels inside and outside the organization
• Sharp, motivated, confident, and passionate 

Education and Certifications: 

• Bachelor's degree