Account Manager - Promotional Products

$75,000 - $90,000/Yr

Bensussen Deutsch And Associates - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Chicago, IL

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

As an Account Manager at BDA, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, focusing on understanding their needs and objectives. Your responsibilities will include recommending suitable merchandise solutions, ensuring successful project execution, and collaborating with internal teams to meet customer expectations. This dynamic, customer-focused role requires a blend of sales acumen, creativity, project management, and excellent service delivery to contribute to BDA's growth and the clients' marketing goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with existing clients
• Act as main point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally
• Understand clients' promotional objectives, target audience, budget and deadline constraints to offer tailored promotional merchandise solutions
• Advise clients on the most suitable merchandise solutions that align with their marketing goals and brand image
• Stay updated on industry trends, product knowledge, and best practices to provide informed recommendations
• Evaluate and identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell additional products, programs or services to existing clients
• Create compelling proposals & presentations that showcase the value of our products and services
• Develop proactive strategy, presentation and pitches for client opportunities
• Prepare accurate and competitive quotes for clients based on their requirements
• Facilitate the order process from ideation through delivery, ensuring all details are accurately recorded and communicated to internal teams
• Coordinate and collaborate with client service coordinators, production associates, and other cross functional teams to deliver on spec and on time
• Monitor client satisfaction and address any issues to ensure a high level of customer retention
• Conduct post-order follow ups to gather feedback and assess the success of the promotional project/program
• Meet and exceed assigned sales targets and contribute to BDA's revenue growth while working within assigned budgets and forecasts
• Stay informed about the competitive landscape and industry trends to enhance our offerings and maintain a competitive edge
• Manage contact and opportunity database and execute strategic account plans
• Exude high levels of professionalism when interacting with clients, internal partners and external vendors and agencies

Requirements

• 3+ years proven experience in sales, account management, or a customer facing role
• Experience in Promotional Products or Merchandising Industry strongly preferred
• Proven track record of increasing sales and business opportunities through client development
• Proficient in MS Office suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, Powerpoint)
• Proficiency in using CRM software and other relevant tools for sales and order management (Salesforce preferred)
• Promotional merchandise experience preferred but not required

Nice-to-haves

• Creativity and experience in merchandise
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple clients and orders simultaneously
• Fast paced, deadline driven multi-tasker
• Coachable and loves to learn and grow new skills
• Energetic self starter who exudes accountability, urgency and passion
• Team player
• Strong interpersonal, communication, customer service and presentation skills to build and maintain client relationships effectively
• Possess strong financial acumen with an understanding of calculating financial data such as margins & discounts to ensure profitable sales results
• Exceptional negotiation and problem-solving abilities

Benefits

• Robust PTO
• Paid volunteer day
• Holidays and summer Fridays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mental health and financial wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement