National Account Manager-Foodservice

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea. Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.

OVERVIEW

The role of National Account Manager within our Food Service division is critical for maintaining and building hospitality and travel business and to the growth strategy for the North American market.  We are seeking a sales professional who has experience in selling coffee to customers in the hospitality and travel channel.

Location: This role is remote US based. 

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage existing clients to retain, enhance brand awareness, and increase profitable sales.
• Work with clients and our internal team to develop programs suited to customers’ needs, including branding materials, equipment recommendations, and training guidelines and schedules.
• Work with clients on all branding elements
• Lead communication to the Regional Sales Directors of National Account programs that will be executed at the regional level.
• Manage all aspects of customer programs, including pricing, equipment programs, service, and marketing programs. 
• Track and coordinate new pricing and contracts and manage contract renewals.
• Travel as needed to support customer and employer requirements, including occasional weekend events and travel.
• Identify, develop, and manage active pipeline of strategic national targets.
• Technical understanding of equipment as well as how to work both internally with our team and equipment companies to develop and support customer equipment programs.
• Knowledge of equipment manufacturers for drip coffee, espresso, and BLUE. Understand how to develop service and preventive maintenance programs.
• Understanding of our products (both coffee and equipment) as well as how to sell the Lavazza brand.
• Knowledge of how container orders work and how to guide customers with product mix as well as timing of order placement to order receipt.
• Knowledge of distribution and distributor partners within the away from home division.
• Experience calling on national, multi-unit operators in the hospitality, cruise line, and travel channels (existing relationships a plus).
• Understand how to develop profitable programs to deliver a return on investment that meets Lavazza’s guidelines (including a keen understanding of how to read a P&L).

PREOFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in Business Management or related field
• 6+ years in progressive senior level sales positions in the beverage industry (Coffee preferred)
• Microsoft Office proficiency is required; experience using CRM systems preferred
• Sense of urgency in communicating with customer as well as internally
• Problem solver who listens to learns and looks for solutions
• Organizational and project management skills to support customer rollouts and expansions
• Superb ability to work with customer and trainers to develop a training protocol and training schedule
• Professional written and oral communication as well as excellent interpersonal skills
• Solid relationship skills to allow for smooth navigation internally to develop solutions that are a win for both Lavazza and client
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to execute a contract with clients as follow up to negotiations
• Unquestionable degree of integrity in all his/her business dealings
• Fast starter, self-motivated and willing to assume additional responsibilities
• Open and respectful communicator, experienced at building trust and engaging successfully with diverse personal styles
• Ability to manage several projects with tight timelines simultaneously
• Highly accurate, organized and detail oriented with strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Flexible and willingness to adapt to change

BENEFITS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• Free coffee, anytime!