Account Executive, National Accounts

POSITION SUMMARY:

• The Account Executive reports to the President, Chefs' Toys
• Located in Los Angeles
• Full-Time

Looking for a work/life balance? Current or previous restaurant operators have very proven successful in this role!

The Account Executive for Chefs' Toys plays a vital role in our organization by prospecting, penetrating, and maintaining business relationships in the Los Angeles territory. Employing strategic and consultative selling tactics, the AE maximizes sales and profits of foodservice products and services. Acting as a vested business partner, the AE provides innovative, creative, and effective solutions to meet customers' fiscal and business objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Relationship Management:

• Build and nurture strong relationships with customers, vendors, and organizational staff.
• Maintain and increase revenue from existing business while actively securing new accounts in the assigned territory.
• Ascertain customer needs through observation and active listening, providing appropriate and innovative solutions.
• Act as a strategic and innovative partner to customers, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service.
• Take customer orders, enter them into the system, or place them with customer service.
• Establish and attend regular meetings with customers to strengthen relationships and address evolving needs.
• Utilize vendors, manufacturers, and internal resources to best meet customer requirements.
• Address customer issues promptly and professionally, coordinating with customer service, credit, warehouse, or other company personnel when necessary.

Sales Strategy and Execution:

• Employ strategic and consultative selling tactics to maximize sales and profits of foodservice products and services.
• Act as a vested business partner, providing innovative, creative, and effective solutions to meet customers' fiscal and business objectives.

Product Knowledge and Industry Engagement:

• Stay current on product knowledge through participation in sales meetings, vendor trainings, and industry-related professional organizations.
• Remain committed to growth in understanding the foodservice industry.

Administrative and Coordination:

• Thoroughly follow up and solve problems promptly with good business acumen.
• Take ownership of order entry using systems such as AS400, AutoQuotes, or other green-screen programs.
• Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Word, Excel, & Outlook.
• Utilize mobile devices effectively.

COMPETENCIES:

• Passionate about all aspects of selling, with a strong sales and customer service attitude.
• Proven ability to sell consultatively, demonstrating excellent prospecting and closing abilities.
• Strong negotiating skills, overcoming objections to achieve successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in building long-term and growing relationships with customers, vendors, and co-workers.
• Thorough follow-up and problem-solving skills with a good business acumen.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Word, Excel, & Outlook.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or Culinary Degree, or equivalent military or practical experience.
• Business-to-business sales experience preferred.
• Experience in foodservice/hospitality management.
• Fluent in English and Spanish language
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check post offer acceptance.