Category Strategist-Remote

Essendant is a purpose-driven company that reaches beyond business goals to define its success within commerce today. We support our associates, customers and communities - our core values and guiding principles shape what we aspire to do. Integrity, Collaboration, Customer-Centric, Embrace and Drive Change are our core values that serve as the foundation of our pathway to success. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Giving Back, Associate Safety, and Accountability are our guiding principles that motivate us to focus on creating a safe and rewarding experience. Essendant is a leader in supporting the supply chain industry and has been in business for 100 years to deliver the best practices for our customers and associates. Join us at Essendant, the better way to commerce. Major Responsibilities • Builds lasting customer relationships by initiating outbound calls, using Teams or video if need be. • Plans and organizes calls and activities for the day in order to maximize sales and meet key metrics. • Manages an ongoing trackable pipeline of opportunities. • Informs customers on Essendant's product categories portfolio, marketing tools, and services available, assisting in the effort of growing the business. • Coordinates the involvement of internal resources, including support, service and management resources, transportation and pricing, in order to meet account performance objectives and customers' expectations. • Ensures complete customer satisfaction by working with Customer Service, Merchandising, Product Management, Inventory and Transportation Facilities-when necessary. • Negotiates pricing and/or bid support as necessary to acquire new business to secure the deal or regain lost business. • Collaborates, coordinates and strategizes with customers and Account Owner counterparts to define detailed growth strategies to grow customer business. • Travels as needed with a justified ROI and if opportunities dictate as such. • Works with Merchandising to select customers from appropriate segments to participate in test pilots for new vendors/product set-ups, and provides weekly reporting and follow-up • Promotes marketing, e-commerce, customer enablement and cross category solutions specifically designed to assist customer with growth and market penetration. • Participates in Business Review Calls with Account Owner. Skills/Knowledge Required • Negotiation skills with the ability to close sales. • Demonstrates ability to assess customer needs, probe for objections and look for creative solutions to promote/sell the company's products and/or services. • Ability to communicate with customers at all levels of management. • Understanding of competition within a sales environment. • Working knowledge of all customers within scope of responsibility. • Strong understanding of e-business and e-marketing. • Clear understanding of pricing strategies. • Knowledge of distribution, customer service, and procurement/expediting processes. • Expert follow up skills to ensure timely resolution in meeting customer needs. • Excellent time management skills, including ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks. • Results orientated. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to work cross functionally within the organization. • Strong knowledge of company applications and systems. Education and Experience • Bachelor's Degree in Business/Marketing or equivalent experience required • Minimum seven (7) years related Sales experience. Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000 Benefits: • Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) • 401k with matching • Company Holidays • Overtime Pay for hourly employees • Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time • Maternity and Parental leave benefits • Employee discount • Tuition Reimbursement • Employee Assistance Program Essendant drives to be inclusive and celebrates diversity by starting with our associates. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates to apply for opportunities, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. At Essendant we are building an elevated community by creating a safe and supportive work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, including or based on age, race, color, disability, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. People are what drives our company. We are one team with endless possibilities. We are Essendant. ABOUT ESSENDANT Apply tot his job