Account Manager / Benelux

at  Stokke

HERE WE GROW:

Stokke’s long history of design and innovation began over eight decades ago on the west coast of Norway in 1932. Our values remain deeply rooted in our Scandinavian heritage and our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Stokke is recognized worldwide for best-in-class solutions for children. For over forty years, we’ve combined our passion for Scandinavian design with the ability to challenge the ordinary and make beautiful products that nurture family bonding. Designed not only for you and your child, but for your children’s children, and generations to come.
Stokke has experienced considerable international growth through our strategic approach of acquiring products and brands. These acquisitions include the Nomi chair, LIMAS, a baby carrier company, Mukako, a multi-activity play table brand, and BABYZEN, the makers of the highly popular YOYO all-in-one lightweight stroller. Acquisitions is key for our growth and has allowed us to have office presence in Norway, Germany, The Netherlands, France, the US, and Asia, meaning we truly offer an international work environment and can stand by our brand promise Confident Kids for a better World.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, THE POSITION:

The Account Manager – Benelux is an exciting role which will require the building of strong business relationships with retailers and taking care of Stokke’s premium product placement. The role is suitable for those with sales and retail experience, preferably instore and who are now looking for the next logical step in their career advancement.

Commercial education, but no specific specialization required.

• Experience with developing distribution and sales for branded goods with excellent results (as perceived by management and customers).
• Experience with motivating and training retail sales personnel and implementing company strategies in retail environments.
• Experience with informing customer service departments to benefit customers regarding orders, complaints, logistics coordination, and other relevant support functions.
• Ideally, experience with selective distribution policies of exclusive/up-market products/brands.
• Experience from competitive sales cultures.
• Experience with both small independent retailers and sophisticated multiple retailers.
• Fluent in the language of country responsibility and English.
• Good PC user experience (preferably Microsoft Office).
• Ready to implement the visions, philosophies, and strategies of the company.
• Flexible and mobile. Hard-working and dedicated.
• A private situation which allows traveling/staying away and occasional weekend work at consumer shows (approx 3-4 weekends per year).
• Valid driving license

Developing Sales and Distribution:

• Prioritization of areas and customers.
• Work out sales development plans for the area.
• Find, evaluate, and activate relevant trade partners according to Stokke policies.
• Contract negotiations and implementation of Stokke’s requirements to retailers.
• Secure selective distribution requirements are fulfilled with all customers at any time.
• Continuously follow up with customers to secure stock levels of all items and agreed product presentation.
• Continuously improve merchandising in stores, including installation of in-store equipment and point of sales materials.
• Use 4 days per week for customer visits - 1-2 days for admin work at home office.

Training and Coaching:

• Ensure all retailers’ staff receives training through own coaching and/or other company training support.

Service and Support:

• Support efficient order transmission and processing.
• Work with customer service to ensure the markets get the service they need.
• Communicate procedures and routines to help improve support via customer service.
• Support the implementation and successful realization of sales and marketing campaigns.
• Ensure the company complies with requirements from retail chains.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Use Stokke’s defined sales way of working and CRM tool: SalesForce according to best practices and guidelines.
• Prepare and plan store visits on an 8-week horizon.

Other Functions:

• Gather and share news on market and competitors’ developments/activities and other relevant information helping Stokke to better understand the market, competitors, customers, and results.

Better Together, The Ideal Profile:

Commercial education, but no specific specialization required.

• Experience with developing distribution and sales for branded goods with excellent results (as perceived by management and customers).
• Experience with motivating and training retail sales personnel and implementing company strategies in retail environments.
• Experience with informing customer service departments to benefit customers regarding orders, complaints, logistics coordination, and other relevant support functions.
• Ideally, experience with selective distribution policies of exclusive/up-market products/brands.
• Experience from competitive sales cultures.
• Experience with both small independent retailers and sophisticated multiple retailers.
• Fluent in the language of country responsibility and English.
• Good PC user experience (preferably Microsoft Office).
• Ready to implement the visions, philosophies, and strategies of the company.
• Flexible and mobile. Hard-working and dedicated.
• A private situation which allows traveling/staying away and occasional weekend work at consumer shows (approx 3-4 weekends per year).
• Valid driving license.