National Account Manager at Cottage Door Press LLC – Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Cottage Door Press is a young dynamic children’s publishing company located in Rolling Meadows, Il. We are currently in a rapid growth mode and are seeking to add a Full-time National Accounts Manager position to our sales team. This position will manage a portfolio of trade and special markets accounts.

Responsibilities Include:

• Manage AWBC, trade and library wholesalers, and special markets accounts to achieve long-term success
• Develop and implement effective sales strategies
• Establish productive and professional relationships with buying teams in assigned accounts
• Manage presentation process from PPT documents, presentation timing, comps and sample requests, item submission forms and product confirmation and forecasting for assigned accounts
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and vendor agreements
• Suggest actions to improve sales performance and identify opportunities for growth
• Oversee supply chain process for customers including forecasting, inventory balance, order process, item maintenance, customer order/ship requirements and store inventory and POS sales review• Supervise independent sales representatives to ensure sales increase
• Supervise independent sales representatives to ensure sales growth
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual sales budget forecasts
• Report on the status of accounts and transactions
• Set and track sales account targets, aligned with company objectives
• Monitor sales metrics (e.g., quarterly sales results and annual forecasts)
• Maintain appropriate spend budget for promotional dollars – placement fees, ad allowances and markdown money
• Resolve conflicts and provide solutions to customers in a timely manner
• Manage and control returns where appropriate
• Liaise with Marketing and Creative departments to provide feedback on product and market/buyer demand
• Travel to trade shows and accounts including overnight travel
• Other duties as assigned

• BS degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or relevant field
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience within the publishing industry or relevant consumer goods industry as sales account manager with direct selling experience
• Experience managing independent sales representatives or brokers is a plus
• Highly organized problem-solver, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Must be self-motivated, but with the ability to work and collaborate with a team
• Superior attention to detail
• Ability to understand and analyze sale performance
• Well-developed customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to negotiate
• Willing to travel 25%
• Understanding of Google Apps and Gmail
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Capacity to work with automated processes
• Knowledge of Consumer Product Goods and retail supply chain is a plus