Key Account Manager

Jobot; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Key Account Manager to lead the introduction of innovative food equipment products in the US market. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the company's presence in the snack, confectionery, and bakery sectors. As the first salesperson in the US, you will drive market penetration, develop key customer relationships, and ensure exceptional service delivery. Join a collaborative team that values initiative and creativity, providing you with the support and training needed to excel in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about food equipment and have a proven track record in sales, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales or key account management in food equipment.
• Strong sales acumen and ability to negotiate contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategy to promote food equipment products in the US market.
• Manage relationships with key accounts and provide exceptional customer service.

Skills

Sales Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Technical Aptitude

Market Penetration Strategy

Customer Relationship Management

Tools

CRM Software (Salesforce, HubSpot)

Job description

Job details

We are seeking an experienced and driven Key Account Manager with a strong background in food equipment in snacks, confectionery, bakery, etc.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven Key Account Manager with a strong background in food equipment, specifically within the snack, confectionery, bakery, and general food industries. This individual will be responsible for driving the initial market penetration and sales efforts for our innovative food equipment products in the US. The Key Account Manager will lead the charge to position our brand as a market leader, identify and secure key accounts, and manage relationships with top-tier customers in these sectors. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be the first salesperson in the US to introduce and sell these machines, shaping the future of our presence in this dynamic market.

Why join us?

Starting from day one within our team, we empower our employees to actively participate in driving results and fostering growth. Emphasizing teamwork, specialized training programs, hands-on learning, and support from colleagues, we aim to inspire them to enhance their skills, embrace accountability, and collectively achieve common objectives.

Job Details

MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH CAPITAL EQUIPMENT SALES IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Penetration & Strategy Development: Take ownership of developing and executing a strategy to introduce and promote our food equipment products within the US market. This includes creating go-to-market plans, identifying target customers, and determining key regions for expansion within the snacks, confectionery, bakery, and general food sectors.
2. Sales Leadership: Lead sales efforts and initiatives to secure new business, leveraging a deep understanding of the food equipment market and customer needs. Establish relationships with key decision-makers, including production managers, plant operations heads, and R&D teams within target industries.
3. Key Account Management: Manage and develop relationships with key accounts, providing exceptional customer service and ensuring successful implementation of solutions. Serve as the primary point of contact for major customers, understanding their business needs and delivering tailored solutions.
4. Product Expertise & Support: Become the subject matter expert on our food equipment products, understanding their features, benefits, and competitive advantages. Provide technical support to customers, addressing any inquiries, product specifications, or operational questions.
5. Sales Forecasting & Reporting: Provide regular sales forecasting, reporting, and tracking of key performance metrics to leadership. Continuously assess sales pipeline, conversion rates, and account development status to drive results.
6. Collaborative Approach: Work closely with the product development, marketing, and operations teams to ensure customer feedback is incorporated into future product improvements. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth implementation of product installations, ongoing support, and customer satisfaction.
7. Industry Networking & Representation: Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and events, building visibility and brand recognition in the US food equipment market. Stay up-to-date on industry trends, competitor activity, and market demands to provide strategic insights.

Qualifications

1. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales or key account management, with a focus on food equipment within the snacks, confectionery, bakery, and/or general food industries. Proven track record of successfully launching and selling new products into the US market is a plus.
2. Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of food production processes, equipment requirements, and industry standards for snacks, confectionery, bakery, and general food production. Familiarity with food manufacturing equipment technology, trends, and challenges.
3. Sales & Negotiation Skills: Strong sales acumen with the ability to develop and execute sales strategies, negotiate contracts, and close deals with large, complex customers. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
4. Self-Starter & Problem Solver: Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative, drive, and creativity. Comfortable taking ownership of a new territory and pioneering the introduction of new products to a challenging market.
5. Technical Aptitude: Comfortable discussing and understanding the technical aspects of food equipment and machinery, with the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical customers.
6. Travel: Willingness to travel as needed across the US to meet with customers, attend industry events, and support product installations or troubleshooting.

Preferred Skills

1. Experience working with machinery and equipment for food production (snacks, confectionery, bakery, etc.)
2. A strong network within the US food manufacturing industry
3. Experience in a startup or high-growth sales environment
4. Fluent in CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.