Key Account Manager - Chicago, IL

Location

Illinois

Role Type

Permanent

WHO WE ARE

ITG Brands is the third-largest tobacco company in the USA with offerings of some of the most well-known cigarette, cigar, and e-vapor brands. As a member of the globally recognized Imperial Brands PLC family, we are a forward-thinking partner with operational integrity.

ITG Brands is committed to putting consumers at the center of what we do, while creating an innovative workplace that is diverse and inclusive. This empowers us to bring our true selves to work, to collaborate more effectively through showing our passion and being confident to bring new ideas to the table.

We are not afraid to seize opportunities and make things happen – both individually and collaboratively. We strive to exceed expectations by seeing things differently and doing things differently. This truly is a place where we all share a challenger mindset which drives our success. This is a remote role we will be hiring around the major cities of Chicago, IL,Milwaukee, WI, and Grand Rapids, MI.

What You Will Do

Job Summary:

Responsible for leading the Company’s representation at the field level (internal and external) related to assigned Chain retail and Wholesale accounts and are responsible for Compression Calling to Sr. Leadership across Retail that includes the development of strategic relations, business plans and execution impacting performance across all the accounts in the respective divisions and retail zones. Will act as the face of the Company with pre-set wholesaler division customers and Retail Field Operations SR Leadership teams to oversee and manage activities that create a sustainable competitive advantage for the Company.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Duties and Responsibilities:

(This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary by the Company)

• Deliver across multiple fronts inclusive of consumer insights, marketing, industry relations, regulations, issues / problem solving, selling, and category management.

• Use judgment, skill, and discretion to lead and develop collaborative / strategic partnership with customers

• Ownership for Wholesale Divisions (allocated within scope of role) inclusive of trade shows, STM tracking and performance, return management, residual inventory management, retailer distribution requests, bi-monthly business review, presentations to Wholesaler Sales Teams, and communication to divisions of new item introductions

• Direct line of communication and point of contact for items inclusive of delivery tracking, payment information sourcing, return management process within portal, repack carton management and return supply management

• Penetrate, partner with, and manage relationships and form a strong partnership with customer senior management (Chain and Wholesale) representing “One Company” across the designated business units.

• Identify and pursue incremental opportunities to shape the customer’s current and future business practices to grow the Company’s brand share while strengthening the Company as a preferred vendor partner. Collaborate with key functional stakeholders (Commercial Finance, Customer Service, Regulatory) on key matters pertaining to their assigned strategic customers.

• Negotiate, sell, and maintain effective retail partnership agreements in specific Chain retail stores and Wholesale accounts. Deploy retail execution guidelines and key objectives to Retail selling organizations to maximize in-store sales results.

• Develop, compare, and evaluate selling plans that resonate with local retailer customers that encompass all product categories. Interact with Area Management and Leaders regarding all aspects of the customer business plans and address key issues and opportunities.

• Collaborate with Area/Region/Division resources to identify sales opportunities that can be acted upon to drive sales performance. Maximize effectiveness of all Chain Merchandising Fixtures/ Displays / POS to present a competitive merchandising advantage at retail.

• Accountable for selling and gaining commitment of customer joint business plans (JBP) on a quarterly basis that delivers on the Company’s assigned Sales KPI’s – of volume, distribution, share and other Brand initiative and strategic objectives.

• Customize, tailor, and link the Company’s strategies, plans, and key initiatives with the customer’s key strategies and tactical plans. Solicit and analyze customer and competitive insights to identify critical sales opportunities and provide solutions to Leadership.

• Measure and enforce all requirements of our retail partnership agreements in assigned retail stores. Maximize effectiveness of all Company programs and guidelines to Wholesale accounts.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications :

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED

• 3+ years related sales experience to include, but not limited to:

• Regional customer management experience within the Broader Consumer Products Industry

• Experience selling to Convenience channel, Mass, Wholesale and/or Specialty Tobacco channels

• Must be 21 years of age or older

• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued from state of residence

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint) and Microsoft Teams

Skilled in:

• Verbal and written communication

• Attention to detail

• Problem/situation analysis

• Effective time and task management

• Multitasking capabilities

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Building strong business relationships with customers

Ability to:

• Communicate to a broad and diverse audience

• Maintain effective working relationships

• Demonstrate critical thinking

• Work with diverse populations and varying education levels

• Receive and communicate information orally and in writing

• Prioritize assignments, workload, and manage time accordingly

• Ability to effectively monitor category performance with planning and communication

Preferred Qualifications :

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field of study

• 1+ years sales managerial experience

Work Environment and Physical Demand

• Employee must live within the boundary of the assignment or be willing to relocate

• Requires moderate physical effort. Occasionally lifts or moves objects up to 50 lbs.

• Able to bend, crouch, stretch, climb, or reach in retail environments.

• Walks, sits, or stands for extended periods.

• Travel required based on assignment needs.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Occasional exposure to noise, dust, or weather.

• Operates in a retail and wholesale environment.

• Requires prolonged machine operation including vehicle, computer, and keyboard equipment.

What We Offer

• Competitive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision/life insurance/disability plans

• Dollar for dollar 401k match up to 6% and 5% annual company contribution

• 15 Company-paid holidays

• Generous paid time off

• Employee recognition and discount programs

• Education assistance

• Employee referral bonus program

• Hybrid workplace – remote / in office

• Summer hours

• Casual dress policy Monday through Friday

Applicant Information

This job description describes the essential functions of the job at the time the job description was created, but it is not an exhaustive list of tasks, duties and responsibilities. In addition, the position may evolve or change over time and such changes may not be reflected in the job description until it is next updated.

Everyone Belongs

ITG Brands and ITG Cigars provides equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you have a concern about discrimination in the application or hiring process or you need an accommodation based on religion, disability or pregnancy in the application or hiring process, please contact us at TalentAcquisition@itgbrands.com .

SHARE THIS JOB

The posting for the position for which you are applying highlights key aspects of the position only. It is not a complete description of the position.

All candidates must consent to an independent investigation of their background, references, past employment, education, criminal record, and drug screening. Results of such background checks will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to the nature of the information reported and its relevance to the specific job being sought before a decision is made using this information.

ITG Brands and ITG Cigars provides equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you have a concern about discrimination in the application or hiring process or you need an accommodation based on religion, disability or pregnancy in the application or hiring process, please contact us atTalentAcquisition@itgbrands.com (Talen%74Acquisition%40%69t%67b%72ands.%63om) .

We collect personal information from you in connection with your application for employment with ITG Brands or ITG Cigars. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy (https://www.itgbrands.com/privacy-policy/) . If you are a job applicant from California, additional information can be found on ourCalifornia Applicant Privacy Notice (https://www.itgbrands.com/ca-applicant-privacy-notice/) . If you have questions, contact us atprivacy@itgbrands.com (priv%61%63y@i%74gb%72ands.co%6D) .