Account Executive – Retail

The Account Executive (AE) develops and manages a portfolio of specific merchandise categories at retail accounts. This is not a pure sales role.  The AE works directly with retail Buyers and DMMs to develop and bring to market new merchandising programs. The AE is responsible to partner closely with our internal product development, international merchandising, and logistics teams to develop and execute the merchandising strategies and projects for the retailer and manage and optimize the results for the overall account.

A successful candidate will have extensive experience in Retail Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Product Development or Product Global Sourcing; having been a Retail Buyer, Associate or Assistant Buyer, Category Manager, DMM, Product Development Manager or Visual Merchandising Manager in any of these categories: General Merchandise, Hardlines, Softlines, Home, Housewares, Consumables, Seasonal, Toys, Furniture, Health and Beauty Care (including over-the-counter drugs and consumer medical devices), etc.

 Duties:

Develop and execute customer and category strategic development and annual operating and financial plan.

Build customer relationships at the Buyer and Divisional Merchandising Manager (DMM) levels and facilitates connectivity in other functional areas.

Direct and define the assortment strategy for assigned retailer and categories.

Direct and perform competitive shops and regularly surveys the marketplace to identify product and packaging trends, designs, and features to help drive new product ideation.

Work closely and effectively with the Merchandising, Product development and Artist teams to create cohesive product line offerings. 

Manage and enforce the account specific product development calendar for optimal operational efficiency.

Manage a team in facilitating negotiations, pricing, logistics and the purchase order process.

Direct and prepare presentations by assembling quotations, proposals, product specifications and samples, compiling account and competitor analyses.

Hold product ideation and product presentations with account Buyers and DMMs/GMMs at assigned retail account. 

Clarify and communicate specs and product engineering details, labeling, and packaging instructions and other information to Merchandising, Product Development and Art departments.

Reviews sales team’s follow up and tracking purchase orders, packaging approval, sample approval, third party testing reports, order shipments and related communication with our retail customers and our domestic and international offices.

Plan, attend, and manage international buying trips.

Execute, manage, and report on production, resolve any issues to ensure on-time delivery.

Communicate action plans with Asia Merchandising teams, Product Development and Art Departments.

Updates job knowledge by reviewing trade publications and staying current with market research and industry trends.

Accomplishes marketing and sales organization mission by completing related tasks as needed.

Supervises account team consisting of Assistant Account Executive(s) and Merchandising Administrative Assistant(s). 

Reports to Director of Sales.

 Skills Required:

A passion for understanding the customer, market, and competitive trends as a means of identifying the right product at the right price; curious and entrepreneurial.

Ability to think critically and understand target customer to anticipate future trends and incorporate them into business plans.

Ability to balance creative and analytical thinking, intuition and data, to build a compelling assortment including exploring new lines of business and partnerships.

Well-developed ethical standards of professional behavior and strong leadership background with a variety of merchandising concepts, processes, and experiences.

Strong leadership skills and experience in working with cross functional teams and influencing across an organization.

Track record for developing compelling product assortments in multiple categories.

Ability to effectively manage in a fast-paced work environment, influencing customers and across multiple disciplines to get important things done.

Ability to drive and lead accelerated growth.

Possesses strong communication skills, and ability to prioritize based on changing business needs.

Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to learn and take smart risks to deliver great results.

 Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required

Retail Buying, Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Retail Management, Product Development, Global Sourcing

Experience at the Buyer or DMM level is a plus

The position requires national and international travel

Competitive Salary plus Bonus Eligible

Relocation assistance negotiable

 Great Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, employee referral program, and vacation, personal time and holidays.
• Work for a company that is growing and values its employees.