Join blithequark, a Dynamic and Fast-Paced Environment
blithequark is revolutionizing the sports drink industry with its innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit. As a subsidiary of one of the world's most iconic companies, blithequark combines the resources and insights of a global giant with the agility and passion of a startup. We're committed to becoming the number one sports drink brand, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our team and help us achieve this goal.
About the Role
We're seeking an experienced Director of Customer Sales for National Accounts to lead our sales efforts and drive business growth through strategic partnerships. As a key member of our team, you'll be responsible for delivering the company's annual performance goals and KPIs for your respective customer geography. You'll collaborate with internal stakeholders and external customers to support blithequark's overall growth strategies and drive continuous performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a strategic partner responsible for the acquisition and management of all national customers on behalf of blithequark, aligning with organizational priorities.
- Provide direction to blithequark Sr. Management on customer priorities and additional business opportunities.
- Represent blithequark as a business partner to customers, negotiating new annual and multiyear contracts to support business objectives.
- Create a comprehensive annual growth target plan for each customer, following channel pricing guidance.
- Work closely with and influence NAOU strategic customer plans to maximize mutual goals, results, and execution.
- Lead the blithequark commercial planning process with NAOU account teams to increase brand image and brand activity, supporting both long-term and short-term objectives.
- Ensure concise and timely communication, providing appropriate tools and execution tracking to blithequark Bottlers and field teams to ensure flawless execution of key initiatives.
- Collaborate with key Bottler personnel to drive specific customer performance and execution, supporting overall business priorities.
- Facilitate customer support team meetings and reviews to identify root issues and provide solutions.
- Develop and leverage top-level relationships at major accounts.
- Provide channel, brand, and category insights/expertise to customers, Bottlers, and NAOU account teams.
- Ensure flawless execution of customer programs and initiatives through clear and concise communication.
- Conduct customer outlet visits with Bottlers, NAOU, and customers quarterly for strategic high-value customers.
- Collaborate and influence blithequark & NAOU cross-functional resources to create value for customers based on their feedback.
- Lead the sales organization for your assigned territory, leveraging expertise to analyze and identify opportunities and establish goals to deliver on target.
- Provide timely updates on sales, challenges, and opportunities to internal leadership and field execution.
- Calculate, review, and report on various budgets, including customer and T&E expense reporting.
Requirements and Qualifications
To succeed in this role, you'll need:
- A BA/BS degree.
- 7+ years of direct sales experience in the beverage industry, with a track record of successfully selling into multiple retail channels.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience calling on key customers like Compass, Sodexo, or Aramark.
- A self-motivated and highly organized individual with a strong desire to produce results and an entrepreneurial spirit to succeed.
- The ability to quickly assess business needs, develop an action plan, and manage required change.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively intermingle with a wide variety of business professionals.
- A passion for building brands, new products, and long-term growth.
- Reliable, hard-working, and proactive team player with a can-do attitude.
- Creative thinker who can work independently.
- Solid computer skills in Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, with a strong understanding and analytical skills in understanding Nielsen/IRI syndicated data.
- A valid driver's license and ability to drive long distances, with a Motor Vehicle Record that satisfies Company standards per Driving Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Knowledge of the sports drink industry and its trends.
- Proven track record of driving business growth through strategic partnerships.
What We Offer
At blithequark, we offer a competitive compensation package, including:
- A salary range of $158,000 - $187,000, depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
- An Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage of 30%, indicating performance at target.
- A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position.
Our Culture and Values
At blithequark, we're committed to nurturing an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible, and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive, and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve.
Career Growth and Development
As a Director of Customer Sales for National Accounts at blithequark, you'll have opportunities for career growth and development. You'll be able to:
- Develop and leverage top-level relationships at major accounts.
- Drive business growth through strategic partnerships.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create value for customers.
- Analyze and identify opportunities, establishing goals to deliver on target.
Why Join blithequark?
If you're a motivated and results-driven sales professional looking to drive business growth through strategic partnerships, we want to hear from you. At blithequark, you'll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced environment that is revolutionizing the sports drink industry. You'll have the opportunity to work with a talented team, develop your skills, and advance your career.
We're an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
If you're ready to join a team that is making a difference in the sports drink industry, apply now to become our Director of Customer Sales for National Accounts.
Apply Now