Regional Account Manager

Huhtamaki is hiring a Regional Account Manager in De Soto, KS, to drive sales growth with foodservice distributors and operators. The role involves client visits, managing relationships, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with internal teams to optimize sales strategies. Candidates should have a degree in Business or a related field and at least 5 years of experience in foodservice distribution sales, with a strong commitment to the company's values.
Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet 

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.  

You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together. 

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.  

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated professional to drive profitable sales growth through both existing and new foodservice distributors and operators. This role involves client visits to assess their needs, boost brand awareness, and recommend suitable products, ensuring the effective execution of sales plans. Key responsibilities include responding to inquiries, negotiating sales, and finalizing sales orders.

Externally, the role requires interaction with purchasing, sales, marketing, and management teams at distributors and operators to expand product categories and maintain existing business. The position also involves processing pricing, deductions, and promotional activities with distributors to ensure compliance with business processes for optimal returns. Additionally, targeting, approaching, and closing deals with key regional accounts to drive incremental sales is essential.

Internally, collaboration with various departments such as Management, Product Management, Commercial Excellence, Customer Service, and other support functions (including pricing, deductions, marketing, accounts receivable, credit, graphics, quality control, and manufacturing) is necessary to secure the support needed for profitable business growth and service in the region.

Territory Coverage –

States

Key Responsibilities

Customer Relationship Management: Cultivate and manage customer relationships to drive growth and identify new customer opportunities through various channels including telephone, email, personal visits, trade shows, and professional organizations.Account Strategy Development: Develop and implement account strategies for each customer, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives.Contract Negotiation: Create and negotiate customer contract proposals.Sales Targets: Meet annual sales and contribution margin targets.Commercialization Process Participation: Participate in the commercialization process for new products or changes to existing items, including packaging and graphics, in coordination with supply chain partners.Sales Tools and Processes Utilization: Utilize sales tools and processes (e.g., CRM, account management, negotiation, pipeline management, margin management).Liaison Role: Act as a liaison between customers and the corporate team (marketing, manufacturing, graphics, customer service, forecasting, and pricing/deductions).

Required

Job Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Business or an Analytical Field, or equivalent work experience.Minimum of 5 years’ experience in foodservice distribution sales.Strong commitment to the company's values and ethical standards.Excellent verbal and written communication, listening, and presentation skills.Proficiency in analytical and negotiation skills, as well as in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; comfortable with quantitative analysis.Ability to collaborate and influence without formal authority, manage conflicts, and build commitment to goals.Demonstrated a sense of urgency and ability to work independently, organizing and directing own work to meet objectives.Proven experience in account management and business development.Strong track record of success, curiosity, coachability, intelligence, and work ethic.

Working Environment

Preferred candidate location: Illinois.Hours may vary based on customer needs.Willingness to travel up to 60% for customer meetings, market visits, and training sessions.Willingness to relocate.

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.