Strategic Account Executive - Gourmet Food & Retail

ASTOR CHOCOLATE CORP.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astor Chocolate Corp. is seeking an Account Executive to drive growth in specialty retail and food channels, acting as a trusted advisor with strategic product recommendations and proactive service.

The role focuses on expanding an assigned portfolio, identifying new opportunities, and coordinating with Operations, Marketing, Product Development, and Customer Service to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of B2B sales or account management experience.
• Experience within food manufacturing, specialty food, gourmet retail, CPG, hospitality, or related industries strongly preferred.
• Proven success managing customer relationships while generating new business.
• Experience presenting to buyers and decision-makers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and virtual meeting technology.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an assigned portfolio of existing customer accounts.
• Build strong, long-term relationships through proactive communication and regular business reviews.
• Monitor customer purchasing trends and identify opportunities to increase sales and product assortment.
• Introduce new products, seasonal programs, and promotional opportunities that align with customer needs.
• Provide outstanding customer support by resolving issues quickly and coordinating with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Review pricing, product mix, and account profitability to maximize long-term business growth.
• Maintain accurate customer records, sales activities, forecasts, and pipeline information within the CRM system.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Product Development, and Customer Service to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within specialty retail, gourmet food, hospitality, foodservice, and related channels.
• Research prospective customers through market analysis, networking, industry events, LinkedIn, referrals, and outbound prospecting.
• Conduct discovery conversations to understand customer needs and develop customized product solutions.
• Prepare presentations, product recommendations, pricing proposals, and sample programs.
• Lead sales presentations both virtually and in person.
• Negotiate pricing and terms while maintaining company profitability objectives.
• Consistently manage and advance a healthy sales pipeline to achieve revenue goals.
• Stay informed on industry trends, consumer preferences, competitive products, and emerging market opportunities.
• Gather customer feedback and provide recommendations that support product innovation and future development.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows, customer meetings, and networking events.
• Build relationships with corporate buyers and decision-makers across targeted national and regional accounts.
• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual sales objectives.
• Develop accurate sales forecasts and revenue projections.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews for key accounts.
• Identify opportunities to improve sales processes and customer experience.

Skills

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Virtual meeting technology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing or related field

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Astor Chocolate Corp. is seeking an Account Executive to drive growth in specialty retail and food channels, acting as a trusted advisor with strategic product recommendations and proactive service.

The role focuses on expanding an assigned portfolio, identifying new opportunities, and coordinating with Operations, Marketing, Product Development, and Customer Service to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Travel may be required.