Sales Account Manager

Based in Kenilworth, NJ, Plastpac is the premier maker of recyclable corrugated plastic containers for produce and related food sectors. With 40+ years’ experience in the packaging industry, family owned Plastpac has become the leader in the specialty packaging sector and is proud to have built a clientele of reputable companies nationwide.

Ready to take your career to the next level? We offer a fantastic opportunity to leverage your expertise and passion in a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success and the satisfaction of our valued customers. Join a team that's built on strong relationships and a commitment to delivering exceptional products and service.

What Makes This a Great Place to Work?

• Impactful Role: You'll be instrumental in driving sales and fostering lasting partnerships with a diverse customer base nationwide.
• Growth Potential: As we continue to expand, you'll have opportunities to take on new challenges and advance your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values open communication, teamwork, and mutual support across all departments.
• Industry Leader: Represent a company with a strong reputation for quality and reliability in the produce and related food sectors.
• Comprehensive Support: We provide the resources and internal collaboration you need to effectively manage accounts and close deals.
• Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced setting where your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure will be valued.
• Direct Impact: Focus on building strong relationships with farms and growers, a key part of our business model.

About the Role:
As a Sales Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing existing clients, proactively prospecting for and acquiring new business nationwide, and ensuring exceptional customer service throughout the entire sales cycle.

While this role is remote, candidates MUST work either East Coast or Central time zone hours, as the company is based in NJ.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivate Customer Relationships: Contact, manage, and build strong, long-lasting relationships with existing and new clients, acting as a knowledgeable consultant to understand their individual needs and identify potential sales opportunities. Maintain ongoing communication to ensure exceptional service.
• Drive Sales Growth: Proactively prospect for and acquire new business nationwide, conduct effective qualifying sales calls, schedule appointments, deliver compelling product demos and presentations, and manage the sales cycle to close new business across all service and product categories.
• Strategic Sales Planning: Develop and implement strategic sales plans in partnership with senior sales leadership, including quality reporting and presentation materials.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate and collaborate effectively with all internal departments (including shipping, pricing, accounting/billing, and marketing) to expedite and resolve all aspects of sales in a timely manner.
• Market Awareness: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and provide seasonal commodity updates to customers and companies.
• Product Improvement: Collaborate with customers on the delivery of quality products and improvements.
• CRM Utilization: Utilize CRM (familiarity with CRM systems in general is expected) to manage client interactions and sales processes.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Respond to customer requests promptly, provide complete and accurate information, and proactively address problems and complaints to maximize customer satisfaction.
• Customer Expansion: Expand and improve the sales network through customer visits, referrals, cold calls, and attendance at conferences, product shows, and conventions.
• Order Entry Collaboration: Partner with internal Customer Service teams to ensure accurate and timely order entry into the computer system.
• Competitive Analysis: Understand the features and benefits of our products compared to the competition and effectively communicate our unique value proposition.
• Business Development: Develop and grow business opportunities within existing and new client relationships.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in sales and account management.
• Preferably 5-10 years of direct sales experience overall.
• Strong knowledge of the produce retail, wholesale, and foodservice markets, as well as industry trends, concepts, and standards. 
• Proven ability to proactively generate new business and manage client relationships.
• Strong customer relationship skills and the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Willingness to travel to meet with clients and attend industry events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proven interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Advanced negotiation abilities to find acceptable resolutions to customer issues.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle stress in a fast-paced work environment.
• Proficiency in Google and MS Office suite software (spreadsheets, presentation, and word processing).
• Familiarity with CRM software.
• Capacity to think critically, analyze data, and make competent decisions.
• Ability to work from and understand verbal and written instructions.
• Associates Degree in Business, Communications, Sales, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Preferably has experience or connections within the agriculture industry (even light touchpoints are beneficial).

Ready to make a significant impact and grow your career with us? Apply today!