Description

The Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact for retailers, ensuring their needs are met and goals are achieved. In this position you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong, long-lasting customer relationships, managing accounts to maximize sales opportunities, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver exceptional service and support. This position requires a great deal of energy, strong work ethic and frequent overnight travel. 

Key Responsibilities

· Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships with retailers, adept at negotiating and "pushing back" constructively when necessary.

· Creative problem solving skills to create win:win scenarios for Hissho Sushi and retailers.

· Understand and sell Hissho Sushi’s story and business outlook in a way that is forward-thinking and aligns with contemporary market trends.

· Analyze sales metrics to create compelling narratives that highlight the strengths and opportunities for Hissho Sushi.

· Develop strategic account plans and maintain an active pipeline to expand business opportunities and achieve sales targets.

· Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreement renewals with retailers. 

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive sales initiatives and explore new profitable locations within the existing retailer portfolio.

· Manage day-to-day account operations, including addressing operational challenges and ensuring proper setup of items within retailer systems.

· Develop and sell marketing and promotional strategies to retailers, clearly communicating the rationale behind them and, when necessary, sell in pricing adjustments.

· Participate in the approval process of new retailer accounts, ensuring alignment with company profitability goals and potential franchisee success.

· Build trust with key contacts by serving as a liaison between retailers and internal teams, addressing inquiries in a timely manner, resolving issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

· Coordinates proper company resources to ensure efficient and stable sales results.

· Collaborate with internal teams to implement optimizations and enhancements based on retailer feedback and performance metrics.

· Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to expand the company's retailer base and industry presence.

· Communicate with retailer and company leadership Hissho Sushi’s value proposition and differentiators.

· Conduct yearly business reviews with key retailers to evaluate the effectiveness of solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

· Proven experience in account management, sales, or a related field, preferably in the retail or food service industry.

· Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage demanding clients and maintain positive engagements.

· Strong operational mindset with the ability to adhere to established guidelines while challenging the status quo to improve processes.

· Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of effectively selling ideas and strategies to a variety of stakeholders.

· Ability to interpret and leverage metrics to build persuasive stories and drive business decisions.

· Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term business growth and sustainability.

· 50% Travel