The Field Account Manager will drive sales and brand presence of Bear Maple Farms sparkling tonic across various retail channels in Southern California focusing on the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego.
This role involves managing relationships with accounts & local distributors, identifying new business opportunities, and executing sales strategies to achieve company growth objectives.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the local market, excellent communication skills, and a passion for selling emerging food and beverage brands.
Key Responsibilities:
- Account Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing accounts, including distribution partners, grocery stores, food service providers, bars, delis, restaurants, gyms, office spaces, and boutiques.
- Regularly visit accounts, ensure product availability, and provide merchandising, and secondary display for optimized shelf placement and increased brand visibility.
- Execute promotions either assigned or tailored to each account to drive product sales
- Initiate repeat orders at the account level
- New Business Development
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the assigned territory targeting distributors and accounts.
- Cold-call potential clients and conduct product presentations with live samples to introduce Bear Maple Farms.
- Initiate new orders or close agreements with new distribution and accounts.
- Execute Sales Strategy
- Collaborate with the Head of Sales to develop and implement regional sales strategies.
- Monitor and track sales performance against KPIs and provide regular reports to management.
- Gather market intelligence and provide feedback on customer preferences, competitive activities, and market trends.
- Product Education
- Educate retail staff and customers about the benefits and unique qualities of
- Bear Maple Farms Sparkling Tonic.
- Identify and execute opportunities for product tastings, demos, and training sessions.
- Support set up and execution of activation events and tradeshows for Bear Maple Farms.
- Customer Support
- Demos & Events
- Be the main point of contact, and project lead, for demos and events in the assigned region. This includes finding demo/event opportunities, planning, and being the ‘day of’ lead and face of the brand at the demo/event.
- Preplanning efforts also include prompt and proactive communication to both the Head of Sales and Operations Lead on physical asset and product sample requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in field sales, merchandising, account management and supporting local demos & events supporting growing food & beverage brands.
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong negotiation and closing skills
- Ability to build long-term partnerships with retailers and distributors
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Proficient in Google Suite, CRM software
Knowledge:
In-depth understanding of the Southern California retail and distribution landscape. Specifically across, the grocery, food service, office and hospitality sectors.
Other:
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, etc.
- Flexibility to travel via car, walking, and public transportation
- Ability to attend evening and weekend events
Adaptability:
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
Other duties as assigned.