📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Specialist
🔹 Company: Vallen Distribution Inc.
🔹 Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Primary) & Tucson, Arizona, United States (Secondary)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Selling and expanding the organization's solutions, products, and services
- Exploring new sales opportunities within assigned accounts
- Building and maintaining customer relationships
- Implementing strategic sales plans to meet contractual obligations
- Collaborating with vendors and suppliers to support solutions selling opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of proactive sales efforts and account management, with a focus on driving growth and customer satisfaction.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Leads efforts to explore, solicit, and obtain new sales opportunities within assigned accounts
✅ Builds rapport and collaborates with customers to understand their needs and generate value-added propositions around new products, processes, and services
✅ Drives cost savings commitments and ensures goals are exceeded and captured in Vallen VPP and/or customers' ERP system
✅ Designs and implements strategic sales plans to develop assigned accounts to meet and/or exceed contractual obligations
✅ Collaborates and builds relationships with vendors and suppliers to support solutions selling opportunities and the transition from non-franchised product to franchised product offerings related to those vendors
✅ Performs other related duties as requested
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on customer needs, strategic planning, and effective communication with both customers and vendors.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Supply Chain Mgt, Marketing, Finance, etc.)
Experience: 3+ years of outside or inside sales experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in supply chain management, wholesale distribution, industrial distribution, manufacturing, or a similarly applicable industry
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated product and sales knowledge
- Strong ability to develop and cultivate customer relationships
- Strong communication, planning, organizational, time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of product and solution-based sales life cycles and best-in-class processes
- Proficiency with MS-Office products (Excel, Word & PowerPoint) and the technical aptitude to learn all company-specific programs and software applications
Preferred Skills:
- Indirect materials experience
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in the supply chain industry or a related field is highly preferred for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Sales role with 2-5 years of experience in the Phoenix, AZ area)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick days)
- 401K with discretionary company match (US positions only)
- Employer-paid Basic Life for Employee, Spouse, and Dependents
- Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Vitality Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Referral Program
- Safety Shoe and Safety Glasses Reimbursement
- Employee Discounts through BenefitHub
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for extended hours as job duties demand)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Phoenix, AZ area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Vallen Distribution Inc. operates in the Truck Transportation industry, focusing on supply chain solutions and the distribution of indirect materials.
Company Size: Vallen Distribution Inc. has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Vallen Distribution Inc. was founded in 1984, with over three decades of experience in the industry.
Company Description:
- Vallen is the market leader in the design, build, and management of supply chain solutions and a national distributor of indirect materials.
- The company's knowledgeable and experienced associates strive to deliver world-class service and provide cost take-out initiatives for their customers.
- Vallen provides solutions for over 600 global companies and institutions, with a suite of supply chain solutions that includes product procurement, inventory management, product application, and process improvements.
Company Specialties:
- Supply Chain Solutions
- E-Commerce
- Documented Cost Savings
- Technical Specialists
- Quality Business Management System
- Tool and Application Services
- Providing Thousands of Products from World-Class Brands
Company Website: http://www.vallen.com
ASSUMPTION: Vallen Distribution Inc. is a well-established company with a strong focus on customer service and supply chain management.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a balance of sales and account management skills, as well as strategic planning and execution.
Reporting Structure: The Account Specialist reports directly to the Sales Manager and works closely with the Customer Service and Operations teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the primary location in Phoenix, Arizona, and a secondary location in Tucson, Arizona. The role may require occasional travel to customer sites.
Growth Opportunities:
- Proven performers may have opportunities to advance to Senior Account Specialist, Sales Manager, or other leadership roles within the company.
- The company offers a tuition reimbursement program, providing opportunities for professional development and growth.
ASSUMPTION: Vallen Distribution Inc. offers opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on promoting from within.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The primary office is a corporate headquarters with a professional work environment, while the secondary office is a regional sales office with a similar environment.
Office Location(s): 2100 The Oaks Parkway, Belmont, NC 28012, US (Primary) & Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Secondary)
Geographic Context:
- The Phoenix metropolitan area has a population of over 4.5 million people and offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
- The Tucson metropolitan area has a population of over 1 million people and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for extended hours as job duties demand.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional and collaborative, with a focus on customer service and sales growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or video interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the Sales team
- Final interview with the Sales Director
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales skills and experience
- Customer relationship management
- Strategic planning and execution
- Problem-solving and communication skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your sales strategies and approach to customer relationship management
- Research Vallen Distribution Inc. and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Sales, Customer Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Product Knowledge, MS-Office Proficiency, Supply Chain Management, Wholesale Distribution, Industrial Distribution, Manufacturing
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their sales skills and experience throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Data visualization and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the company's internal systems and processes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and goal-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in a sales role?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Do you thrive on building and maintaining strong customer relationships?
- Are you able to work independently and manage your time effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Vallen Distribution Inc. values employees who are customer-focused, results-driven, and collaborative, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large portfolio of accounts and maintaining strong customer relationships
- Meeting and exceeding sales targets and contractual obligations
- Adapting to changes in the market and customer needs
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in managing a large portfolio of accounts and maintaining strong customer relationships, as well as meeting and exceeding sales targets and contractual obligations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Account Executive vs. Account Specialist: Account Executives typically have a broader scope of responsibilities, including strategic planning and business development, while Account Specialists focus more on day-to-day account management and sales execution.
- Sales Representative vs. Account Specialist: Sales Representatives often have a more transactional sales focus, while Account Specialists are responsible for building and maintaining long-term customer relationships and driving account growth.
- Career Path: Account Specialist → Senior Account Specialist → Sales Manager → Director of Sales
ASSUMPTION: The Account Specialist role is a critical component of Vallen Distribution Inc.'s sales organization, with opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic sales plan for a key account, resulting in a 20% increase in sales within the first year
- Collaborating with vendors and suppliers to transition non-franchised product offerings to franchised product offerings, resulting in a 15% increase in gross margin
- Identifying and pursuing new sales opportunities within assigned accounts, resulting in a 15% increase in sales within the first six months
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the Account Specialist's ability to drive sales growth, build customer relationships, and collaborate effectively with vendors and suppliers.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its Account Specialists?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does the company measure the success of its Account Specialists, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other members of the sales team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to setting yourself up for success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching Vallen Distribution Inc. and developing your sales strategies and approach to customer relationship management
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
