International Sales Account Manager

Butterball, LLC, one of America’s most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company’s measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Job Summary:

The International Sales Account Manager (ISAM) plays a key role within a dynamic cross-functional team, collaborating closely with departments such as Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, and Research & Development (R&D). With a focus on designated large international accounts, the ISAM provides direct account management support and offers strategic sales insights to drive volume, revenue, and profitability. The International Sales Account Manager will take a proactive leadership stance by leading select projects, fostering cross-functional cooperation, and customer engagement to achieve overarching objectives.

• Develops comprehensive sales plans tailored to each distributor area or local market, addressing the unique needs and opportunities within each territory.
• Cultivates strong relationships with distributors at all levels, including corporate, regional area, and local locations, to maximize sales potential and support brand presence.
• Optimizes the performance of broker sales teams, continuously assessing growth metrics and providing strategic guidance.
• Leads customer and broker sales presentations, conducts business reviews, and facilitates sales training sessions on a regular basis to ensure alignment with Company objectives.
• Assumes responsibility for budgeting all planned expenditures within the assigned region, including customer programs, travel and entertainment expenses, and other relevant costs.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understand of the enterprise’s systems and operations, ensuring effective utilization and integration into sales strategies.
• Attends all Company-directed training sessions as directed by the Director of International Sales, continuously enhancing product knowledge and sales techniques.
• Communicates all promotional activities, including volume forecasts, to relevant departments within the organization to facilitate exceptional customer service and coordination.
• Holds P&L (profit & loss) and volume accountability for assigned distributor customers, actively managing financial performance and growth targets.
• Escalates key customer issues to appropriate departments within the organization for prompt follow-up and resolution, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.
• Directs broker activities aimed at expanding business within respective markets, providing strategic direction and oversight.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date files documenting all customer and broker activities, ensuring accessibility and transparency.
• Collaborates with team members and the Director of International Sales to uphold professional standards and positive business interactions with the assigned distributor network.
• Submits all required reports, including expenses, weekly updates, and any requests from the Director of International Sales, in a timely manner to facilitate effective communication and decision-making.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent written & verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Established history of fostering strong relationships with customers, brokers, and vendors.
• Thorough understanding of the entire sales cycle, particularly within the food processing industry.
• Capability to analyze and interpret syndicated and customer insights data effectively. (E.g. Circana).
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Skilled in analyzing sales performance data to formulate actionable recommendations related to pricing, merchandising, and distribution.
• Demonstrated success in executing strategic plans to drive sales volume and margin growth.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and engage with stakeholders across all levels of the organization to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experienced in sales planning, forecasting, and execution, showcasing a track record of success.
• Deep understanding of international markets, cultural differences, and business practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.) and SAP or other ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, or related field.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in sales within the processed protein industry is required.
• This includes experience with retail or foodservice industries.
• Proven track record of success in international sales management, with at least 2 years of experience in a similar role preferred.

• Work is performed in an office environment with telephones, personal computers, and printers.
• The noise level of the environment is usually moderate.
• Sedentary position, when not traveling with seldom to occasional lifting of less than 25 pounds.
• May require standing less than or equal to 1/3 of the day.
• Ability to collaborate virtually with stakeholders across multiple time zones.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. Butterball, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.