Independent Account Executive

Akola ("she works") is empowering 400 women from various walks of marginalization with dignified work to become change-makers in the lives of their 4,000 children and entire communities. 100% of product revenues are reinvested in Akola's social mission to train, employ and empower women globally.

Akola is a community of makers, wearers and supporters who, together, are changing lives for generations to come.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• The commission based Independent Account Executive will represent Akola by building our wholesale network within your region. In addition to that you will:
• Manage and grow existing account relationships
• Analyze distribution and expand NE territory business Responsible for meeting and exceeding quarterly, seasonal and annual sales goals
• Manage monthly sales projections and position to goals
• Must have an understanding of selling and inventory reports in order to develop a plan to proactively affect sales Participate in seasonal markets and tradeshows
• Develop road work plans and be able to travel to accounts for store appointments, events and product knowledge seminars Lead business with best practices in respective space
• Create proposed assortment plans and market prep sheets for each key account prior to markets to ensure best performers Provide regular feedback on product performance
• Participate in seasonal product projections together with Director of Sales and sales team
• Manage and serve customers to ensure all orders are on-time and any potential account or shipping issues are proactively resolved
• Mitigate any customer concerns, complaints or issues, including product defects, issuing RA’s, territory conflicts, etc. Manage sample logs and needs
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education/training that demonstrates the required knowledge and experience 5+ years sales experience in the apparel, accessories and/or footwear industry
• Must have established relationships with key retailers in the Eastern United States
• Must have an understanding of the apparel, footwear or accessories marketplace
• Must be a self-starter, solution focused and a proactive problem-solver
• Must be comfortable on the phone and in person
• Must have great communication and follow-through skills Must have a positive attitude and want to be part of an entrpreneurial environment and be team-focused
• Ability to multi-task, and work well across divisions Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong presentation skills
• Travel required
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.