Key Account Representative, Customer Development

Aspire Bakeries is a North American baking company with a leadership position in specialty frozen baked goods. Formed from leading bakery companies, its innovative food portfolio includes breads, artisan breads, buns, cookies, donuts, muffins and pastries from beloved brands like La Brea Bakery®, Otis Spunkmeyer®, and Oakrun Farm Bakery®. With 13 bakeries in North America, we are committed to driving innovation, predicting upcoming consumer trends and flavors, and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Aspire Bakeries champions the values of Integrity, Ownership, Customer Focus, Creativity and Care to help us deliver on People Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Collaboration.

The Emerging Chain Key Account Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of foodservice channel objectives in the territory, broker engagement, managing and growing purchases thru sales activities in the chain operator and non-commercial segment developing incremental business opportunities, and providing effective and timely communication to internal and external customers.  The primary functions of the Emerging Chain Key Account Manager is to develop long-term relationships with existing customers as well as securing new customers in the assigned  market.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Manager to implement programs for new business growth, and financial management. 
• Develop, implement, and manage sales strategy and tactics.  
• Manage and expand existing base of Branded business with current customers through account penetration, pricing negotiations, contract extensions, RFP’s, new item placements, etc. 
• Prospecting new customers and business by identifying, presenting, and closing new opportunities.
• Identify menu gaps, promotional opportunities, and key development initiatives to gain incremental sales.
• Develop and manage budgets pertaining to sales, margin, program funds, and allowances.
• Direct responsibility for managing product forecasting and roll outs of new foods.
• Represent Aspire Bakeries at tradeshows and Customer Conferences as needed.
• Maintain customer correspondence and price quote files and ensure that we have the correct financial documentation and back-up.
• Interact with other departments in the organization to ensure the proper management of customer requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, Communication, Culinary or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have foodservice experience with a proven track record of success Broker, Distributor, or Operator level.  Must have customer intimacy and experience with assigned accounts within the territory footprint.
• Proficient in MS Office, specifically PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• 50% travel is required.
• Candidate must be based near a major airport within the geography.  No relocation is available for this position.
• The successful candidate will have a heavy focus on new business generation but must be able to also manage and grow existing customer base.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed In this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates that exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.