Company description

Job description

The Food Hub Account Manager reports to the Executive Director, and will work closely with the ACORN Food Hub Operations + Logistics Manager and Coordinator. The primary components of this position include account management, sales, and outreach to new and existing customers. In addition to managing accounts, the Manager will plan and execute a sales and marketing strategy for the Online Market. This is a hybrid position with a mix of remote and in-person responsibilities.  Special consideration will be given to candidates within a 1 hour driving distance of Middlebury. 

The Manager is responsible for nurturing existing sales accounts and growing sales on the ACORN Online Market. The Manager will continuously evolve and develop seasonal sales strategies and plans. In addition to sales, the Manager will create weekly and evergreen promotional material to support sales efforts.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

This person will employ their exemplary customer service skills, industry knowledge, and attention to detail to increase sales with current customers and onboard new customers. They will provide general sales support for customers as needed.

 

Account Management Responsibilities

• Enhance existing relationships with customers and develop new relationships with potential customers. 
• Spend a minimum of 1 day/ week on the road visiting new and potential customers to build relationships, promote products, and gather feedback.
• Serve as customer service representative for ACORN by maintaining relationships and problem solving with customers.
• Prioritize customer outreach and engagement through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails and events.

 

Sales + Marketing Strategy Responsibilities

• Manage sales and outreach throughout western Vermont, identifying new market opportunities.
• Participate in “ride-alongs” with food producers to promote their products.
• Help organize in-store promotions and product demos.
• Represent ACORN at events around the region.
• Organize and host annual event for buyers and farmers.
• Develop, collect and distribute promotional materials.
• Scout and vet new products and producers for the market.
• Respond to procurement solicitations and facilitate forward contracts. 
• Maintain database of customers.

 

Additional Responsibilities

• Act as the back-up for Food Hub operations when needed.
• Provide general operational and administrative support to the organization. 
• Accurately track and communicate mileage, hours, and other relevant travel information.
• Participate in weekly team meetings. 
• Attend regular check-ins with the ACORN E.D. 
• Engage in annual self-review. 
• Participate in annual peer-review processes.
• Occasional off-hours meetings and events.
• Other duties as needed to assist ACORN in fulfilling its mission.

 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

ACORN will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of their work to the degree we can do so.

 

Work Conditions

• This position is based in the ACORN Food Hub facility in Middlebury, VT. 
• This position will require in-office work at least 1 day/week, with remote work an option for the remaining days.
• Occasional off-hours responsibilities, meetings, and events
• The Account Manager will be expected to spend 20-50% of their time in travel, visiting customer accounts. 

 

Physical Demands

• This position entails extensive use of a laptop computer, sitting or standing at a desk workstation.
• Ability to drive continuously for a full workday. 
• Ability to drive in various weather conditions.
• Occasional heavy lifting of up to 40 pounds. 

 

Required Qualifications 

• Some experience in one or more of the following types of roles (professional experience in the food industry strongly preferred):
  • Sales
  • Buying/purchasing
  • General administration
  • Project management
  • Other applicable lived experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal: in person, over the phone, email, text
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and natural proclivity for keeping detailed records
• Enthusiastic ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Comfortable with change and growth in an evolving business, creative problem solver and ability to jump in where needed to optimize operations
• Cheerful, professional presence
• Strong knowledge of veggies, fruits, dairy, meats, value-added products
• Strong technical skills with computers, spreadsheets, emails, design and digital business management tools such as: G-suite, Slack, Zoom, Canva and customer relationship management (CRM) software, like Constant Contact
• Travel within the state will be required. 
  • A personal car, cell phone and stable home internet is required in this position
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications 

• Existing relationships with/knowledge of food producers and buyers in Vermont, especially the Champlain Valley
• General knowledge of the sustainable food and agriculture sector
• Familiarity with the geographical area

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a part-time position (15 hours/week), flexible schedule, remote/hybrid work model. In-person operations will be needed and will vary throughout the year.
• Compensation is $25/ hour
• Twelve paid holidays (prorated)
• Accrued paid time off based on hours worked
• Mileage for required travel is reimbursed up to a maximum of $120/month
• Remote worker stipend is available at $0.75/ hour worked, up to $30/week to offset the cost for using personal equipment
• Manager will be paid bi-weekly for hours worked upon submission of a timesheet
• Employee discount on food purchases made through the ACORN Online Market
• Monthly wellness stipend

ACORN is an at will, equal opportunity employer that values diversity of experience and perspective to enrich our work. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, crime victim status, health coverage status, HIV status, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline