Key Account Representative I - (Intermountain West)

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand. 

Apply to join New Era's team! 

The Intermountain West Key Account Sales Representative is responsible for maximizing sales for their assigned Key Account customers through effective collaboration, presentation and execution with their assigned account base and internal, cross functional teammates. The Key Account Sales Representative will also lead the implementation of New Era’s strategic vision while executing mutually aligned upon business plans between our most prioritized commercial partners and internal New Era teammates. These efforts will ultimately lead to responsible/profitable sales growth and continued strengthening of our partner relationships while laying a clear blueprint for future business expansion. The location for this position is 100% Remote. The ideal candidate will likely reside in one of the following US cities: Salt Lake City (preferred) followed by Phoenix vicinity.

Responsibilities 

• Clearly understand New Era’s Strategic Vision and subsequently apply actionable strategies that maximize profitable business and market share growth
• Lead the strategic execution of New Era’s Fan Specialty and In Venue Headwear (majority area of focus) and Apparel vision and business planning objectives
• Work effectively with internal New Era product development, merchandising, marketing, business planning, and account services teammates to implement and execute clearly aligned strategies designed to achieve sales growth objectives while enhancing brand potential
• Continue to develop and lead partnership relations between New Era and key wholesale partners
• Create and execute compelling product plans and presentations that maximize sales potential of seasonal product lines
• Regularly travel to key account offices to present product lines, meet with account representatives (high level executives, buying group management and cross functional representatives, while delivering consistent communication representing business trends and growth strategies)
• Lead and facilitate preferred positioning efforts with internal design teams to create unique opportunities for key partners and volume-driving events designed to promote differentiation with our key account partnerships
• Utilize forecasting, business planning, and sell through data to optimize product line placement potential throughout commercialization timelines (from initial booking period though at once chase maximization)
• Lead all sales-related activities with assigned accounts and internal partners to ensure all cross functional efforts meet sales objectives
• Partner with assigned account support representatives and internal supply chain/logistics partners to maximize on time, in full delivery efforts
• Monitor competitor activities and performance while implementing competitive strategies and tactics
• Provide onsite leadership support with key partners during special events and marketing launches
• Utilize Business Intelligence and analysis reports to maximize efficiencies for assigned accounts
• Lead Stakeholder for all hot market related activities for all key account partners
• Deliver all anticipated orders by designated booking deadlines
• Responsible for order entry accuracy across full product offering spectrum
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities 

• Strong knowledge of Sport Licensed retail business landscape
• Key Account sales and relationship management experience
• Excellent presentation skills
• Utilize current trend insights to lead creative process with key commercial partners
• Commercial Creative experience (from insight through development process) within the headwear marketplace preferred
• Ability to clearly communicate business strategies both in person, over video conferencing methods, written correspondence and verbal exchanges
• Experience working with licensed retailers and/or team concessionaires
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Retail math proficiencies & orderbook management skills required
• Fluency in Microsoft office applications (i.e., Outlook, Excel, TEAMs & PowerPoint)
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment
• Enthusiastic positive person who embraces work with a sense of urgency and persistence
• Must be professional, possess a strong work ethic, and demonstrate portfolio ownership
• Proven ability to develop and maintain trusting work relationships at all levels of the organization (both internally and externally)
• Demonstrated passion for the New Era Brand and Licensed Marketplace
• Ability to lift and handle licensed business tools (i.e., samples, fixtures, promotional materials

Education and Experience

• Four (4) to Six (6) years of experience within the Sport Licensed and/or Branded Sporting Goods, Fan Specialty and/or Team Concessionaire marketplace strongly preferred; with strong headwear expertise preferred 
• A bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is preferred. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence and collaborate with key decision makers internally and externally required

Travel Requirement

• Extensive domestic travel required according to business needs; up to and sometimes exceeding 30% 
• The location for this position is 100% Remote and chosen candidate will need to reside in one of the following US cities: Salt Lake City or Phoenix metro areas

Key Indicators of Success

• Perseverance: The ability to persist and remain determined in the face of challenges and setbacks. New Era believes in continuing to pursue a sale even after receiving a "no" from a potential customer
• Preparation: The process of planning strategies in advance by building a comprehensive sales plan beyond the provided selling tools
• Analytical Skills (Financial Acumen): The ability to analyze and interpret financial data to make informed decisions. In sales, this includes understanding retail math, the retailer’s business metrics, and how to provide profitable solutions for New Era and your retailer portfolio
• Build a Trusted Partnership: The ability to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and understanding by creating a "win/win" for both parties
• Presentation Skills: The ability to effectively communicate information and ideas by delivering compelling product plans and presentations to maximize sales potential
• Execute the Brand Strategy and Key Initiatives: The ability to implement and carry out the brand's strategic vision and key initiatives to achieve sales growth objectives