Account Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The principal accountability of the Account Manager will be instrumental in managing the day-to-day relationship with specific customer base(s) as well as key internal stakeholders, with the intent of delivering sustained profitable growth.  This candidate will operate as a key member of the account to ensure optimal relationship management supporting the overall company’s strategic growth objectives.

Remote with up to 50% travel

Key Responsibilities

• Operate as primary point of contact for contact for day-to-day communication between Customer and HFS
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key Customers
• Work cross-functionally with peers in R&D, Operations, Sales/Business Development, Finance and Executive Team to validate, prioritize and deliver Customer projects
• Provide appropriate information, reviews, adjustments and insight to Customer and HFS cross-functional teams to promote effective delivery of the Customer’s requirements
• Participate in Customer specific Product Development and Commercialization processes from inception to completion providing regular updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Operate as an extension of the Customers’ networks.  Facilitate speed, flexibility, and innovative solutions.  Facilitate cross-functional engagements between Customer and the Hearthside team to create mutually beneficial solutions.
• Assist in creating and executing Customer specific account plans to grow sales in line with company strategy.  Includes assisting in budget, forecasting, growth and pricing plans.. 
• Support the company vision to be a world-class food manufacturer, the industry leader, and the premier customer-centric manufacturing partner.
• Assist in negotiating terms, pricing and expenditures within budget and agreed parameters
• Analyze market trends in the industry, using external and internal resources to identify growth and profit improvement opportunities.
• Must be willing to travel as required

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Exposure to food manufacturing, supply chain optimization, contract manufacturing, or other relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to influence across all levels in the organization.
• Track record of having built outstanding and effective relationships with cross-functional teams and customers
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple work streams meeting reporting deadlines.
• Strong experience in large strategic account management and project management.
• Understanding of the P&L and financial acumen
• Organized and detail-oriented; ability to work in situations with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous assignments
• Strong verbal and written communication; experience developing and presenting analyses to management and Customer with the ability to lead and drive initiatives.
• Ability to work autonomously, to meet tight deadlines, and to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Technologically savvy individual who encompasses the latest forms of electronic communication in the commercialization process.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in business, supply chain or related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience in Private Label product and food manufacturing preferred
• Proficient in MS Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word
• Excellent communication, conflict management, decision-making, motivational and organizational skills required