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

Requirements

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