Account Executive -Japanese Bilingual

a-staffing-inc; Norwich (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier Japanese Food & Sake Importer is seeking a Sales Account Executive to bridge the gap between our sales team and clients across North America. You will drive new opportunities, maintain client relationships, and support the full sale cycle from outreach to closing, while promoting premium sake and Japanese culinary products.

This role emphasizes proactive client engagement, market research, and accurate product recommendations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sales Executive or relevant role.
• Proficiency in English.
• Experience in food and beverage sales is highly preferred.
• Ability to regularly call on existing and potential customers and manage pricing and credit terms.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write Japanese.

Responsibilities

• Identify selling possibilities through market research and evaluate customer needs.
• Actively seek out new sales opportunities via cold calling, networking, and social media.
• Set up meetings with potential clients and listen to their wants and concerns.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on products and services.
• Coordinate with customers to provide excellent service during peak periods.
• Provide accurate information on features, pricing, and after-sales services.
• Conduct price and feature comparisons to facilitate purchasing.
• Manage A/R and assist with merchandise returns and order processing.
• Inform customers about discounts and new products/services.
• Create reports with sales data and analyses.
• Ensure stock availability for sales and demonstrations.
• Negotiate/close deals and handle objections.

Skills

Proven experience as a Sales Executive

Proficiency in English

Sales experience in food & beverage

Customer outreach & pricing management

Japanese language ability

Marketing & negotiating techniques

Fast learner

Self-motivated with results focus

Presentations & communication

Market/culture dealings

Education

High school degree

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Premier Japanese Food & Sake Importer

Since 1926, we have been a leading importer of authentic Japanese flavors to North America. We specialize in premium sake, high-quality ingredients, and professional kitchenware. Join us as a \"Culinary Ambassador\" to bridge Japanese traditions with the global food industry through distribution and specialized education.

Act as a liaison between our sales team and our clients, ensuring customer satisfaction. As a Sales account executive, you should showcase excellent communication and negotiation skills. You should also act proactively to address clients' needs and facilitate the sale process from beginning to the end. Ultimately, you should contribute to an increase in sales and maintain our company-client relationships at a high standard.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct market research to identify selling possibilities and evaluate customer needs
• Actively seek out new sales opportunities through cold calling, networking, and social media
• Set up meetings with potential clients and listen to their wishes and concerns
• Prepare and deliver appropriate presentations on products and services
• Coordinate with the customers to provide excellent customer service (especially during peak times) by greeting and directing customer's request
• Provide accurate information (e.g., product features, pricing, and after-sales services)
• Conduct price and feature comparisons to facilitate purchasing
• Servicing and managing existing customer's A/R, merchandise returns
• Coordinate with the customers to provide excellent customer service (especially during peak times) by greeting and directing customer's request
• Inform customers about discounts and special offers, up to date with new products/services
• Complete knowledge of the product and service and increase sales by studying the market trend
• Managing A/R and increase Gross Profit
• Create frequent reviews and reports with sales and financial data
• Ensure the availability of stock for sales and demonstrations
• Participate on behalf of the company in exhibitions or conferences
• Negotiate/close deals and handle complaints or objections
• Collaborate with team members to achieve better results
• Gather feedback from customers or prospects and share with internal teams
• Obtains orders, and establishes new accounts by calling on existing or potential sales outlets and other trade factors and assisting with account opening documents
• Submits orders by referring to price lists and products
• Keeping good relationship between customers for long term business
• Troubleshoot issues with customers
• Adjusts content of sales presentations by studying the type of sales outlet or trade factor
• Meet weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales quotas
• Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses
• Keeping track of own expenses (mileage, parking fee, toll fee, etc.)
• Perform other related tasks as needed

*Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned*

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Sales Executive or relevant role
• Proficiency in English
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Remarkable sales experience in food and beverage industry and passionate for healthy organic, fair trade and sustainable foods
• Ability to regularly call on existing and potential customers and manage pricing and monitor credit term compliance
• Can speak, read, and write Japanese
• Hands-on experience with CRM software is a plus
• Thorough understanding of marketing and negotiating techniques
• Fast learner and passion for sales
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach
• Aptitude in delivering attractive presentations
• High school degree
• Experience in dealings involving market/culture

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times