NAT Account Sales Manager - Gift & Specialty Retailers

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: National Account Sales Manager - Gift & Specialty Retailers

🔹 Company: True Brands

🔹 Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days in-office per week)

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Growing and deepening True Brands' presence in the specialty channel through strategic partnerships with national and regional retail gift and specialty accounts.
• Developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies tailored to unique, niche retailers.
• Collaborating cross-functionally to build customized programs that align with customer goals and True Brands' business objectives.
• Representing True Brands at key trade shows, sales meetings, and industry events (15-20% travel required).

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong network and a hunter mentality, with the ability to build tailored sales strategies for unique, niche retailers.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute innovative sales and marketing strategies tailored to national and key specialty/off price retail accounts.

✅ Lead quarterly and monthly business reviews to track progress and align on future opportunities.

✅ Analyze sales performance and market trends to identify growth areas and build actionable plans for product placement.

✅ Use data insights to optimize merchandising solutions and product assortments that align with customer needs.

✅ Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new connections with decision-makers in the specialty retail space.

✅ Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, Design, and Operations to build compelling seasonal promotions and retail programs.

✅ Partner with the Warehouse team to ensure smooth execution and high levels of customer satisfaction.

✅ Monitor shifts in the specialty retail landscape to proactively adapt sales strategies and leverage emerging trends.

✅ Represent True Brands at key trade shows, sales meetings, and industry events (15-20% travel required).

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of strategic planning, relationship building, and data-driven decision making to drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 5+ years of experience in national account management, with at least 2 years focused on specialty retail or corporate sales.

Required Skills:

• Proven success selling to large National Specialty Accounts, including gift shops, department stores, off price retailers, and other specialty customers.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; comfortable with CRM tools and online sales platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Housewares, or Wine & Spirits industry.
• Trade show experience and comfort representing a brand in public-facing events.
• Background in high-growth environments where creativity and adaptability were key to success.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong sales background, experience in the specialty retail space, and a proven track record of driving revenue growth will be most successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 per year, with quarterly bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• 40% employee discount
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Gym benefits
• Large supplemental insurance offerings
• FSA General Purpose Healthcare and Dependent care
• Growth and development opportunities
• Excellent work/life balance
• Accrue 15+ days of PTO per year
• 8 Paid Holidays per year
• Company events

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a National Account Sales Manager role in the Seattle area, with consideration for the required experience level and the company's size.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: True Brands operates in the Manufacturing industry, focusing on the design and supply of beverage lifestyle accessories worldwide.

Company Size: True Brands is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing a structured yet agile work environment.

Founded: True Brands was founded in 2004 and has since grown to become a leading global supplier in its industry.

Company Description:

• True Brands is anchored by an innovative, future-driven product development team, cutting-edge in-house design and customization departments, and a dedicated sales and customer service team.
• The company offers the best on-trend products and branding at competitive prices, serving a diverse range of clients from national grocery chains to family-owned wineries.
• True Brands is committed to providing exceptional customer service and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment.

Company Specialties:

• Beverage lifestyle accessories
• Custom branding solutions
• Global supply chain management
• Innovative product development

Company Website: http://www.truebrands.com

ASSUMPTION: True Brands' focus on innovation, quality, and customer service makes it an attractive employer in the manufacturing industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a proven track record of success in national account management and a strong understanding of the specialty retail space.

Reporting Structure: The National Account Sales Manager will report directly to the Vice President of Sales and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Design, and Operations.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week. The remaining workdays can be performed remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven success in this role may lead to opportunities for advancement within the Sales department or other areas of the organization.
• True Brands' focus on innovation and growth provides ample opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The company's global presence and diverse client base offer exposure to various aspects of the business, fostering well-rounded career growth.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate strong performance and a commitment to True Brands' values and mission will have ample opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: True Brands' headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): 154 N 35th St, Seattle, Washington 98103, US

Geographic Context:

• Seattle is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong focus on technology, healthcare, and the arts.
• The city offers a high quality of life, with numerous parks, museums, and cultural attractions.
• Seattle's strategic location on the West Coast provides easy access to both domestic and international markets.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week. The remaining workdays can be performed remotely.

ASSUMPTION: True Brands' hybrid work arrangement offers employees the flexibility to balance their work and personal lives while maintaining a strong connection to the company's collaborative work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and initial screening.
• Phone or video screening to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and a member of the Sales team to discuss the role in more detail and assess sales skills and industry knowledge.
• Final round interview with the Vice President of Sales to discuss career growth opportunities and make a hiring decision.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales skills and experience in national account management.
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the specialty retail space.
• Cultural fit and alignment with True Brands' values and mission.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience and industry knowledge.
• Be prepared to discuss your sales strategy for growing True Brands' presence in the specialty channel during your interview.
• Research True Brands' products, clients, and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the business and your enthusiasm for the role.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company's growth plans, sales strategies, and opportunities for career advancement.

ATS Keywords: National Account Management, Specialty Retail, Sales Strategy, Market Analysis, CRM, Trade Shows, Product Placement, Customer Relationship Management, Collaboration, Retail Marketing, Trend Analysis, Problem Solving, Self-Starter, Adaptability, Creativity, Trade Show Representation

ASSUMPTION: True Brands' hiring process is designed to assess candidates' sales skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
• Online sales platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: The National Account Sales Manager will be expected to be proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with a willingness to learn and utilize additional tools as needed to perform their job effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: True Brands fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
• Quality: The company is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services to its customers, with a focus on attention to detail and exceptional customer service.
• Collaboration: True Brands values a collaborative work environment, where employees are encouraged to work together to achieve common goals and drive business success.

Work Style:

• True Brands' work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on results-driven performance and continuous learning.
• The company values a positive, inclusive work culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• True Brands encourages a healthy work-life balance, with flexible work arrangements and a focus on employee well-being.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in national account management, with a focus on the specialty retail space?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to change?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with True Brands' values and work style, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to the company's mission and vision, will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The National Account Sales Manager role requires a significant amount of travel (15-20% of the time), which may present challenges for candidates with personal or family commitments.
• The role involves working with a diverse range of clients, each with unique needs and expectations, which may require additional flexibility and adaptability.
• The fast-paced, dynamic work environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment.
• The role requires a strong understanding of the specialty retail landscape and the ability to quickly adapt to market trends and shifts, which may present challenges for candidates with less industry experience.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are comfortable with frequent travel, adaptable to diverse client needs, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment will be best suited to this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other National Account Sales Manager roles, this position focuses more on the specialty retail channel, requiring a deeper understanding of niche retailers and their unique needs.
• True Brands' focus on innovation and customization sets it apart from competitors, offering candidates the opportunity to work on unique, tailored sales strategies for each client.
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in other areas of the organization, such as regional sales management or corporate strategy, providing candidates with diverse career growth paths.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are interested in the specialty retail space and seeking a role that offers a high degree of customization and innovation will find this position particularly appealing.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a tailored sales strategy for a national specialty retailer, focusing on optimizing product assortment and merchandising solutions to drive revenue growth.
• Collaborating with the Marketing team to create a compelling seasonal promotion for a regional off-price retailer, highlighting True Brands' unique value proposition and driving customer engagement.
• Partnering with the Warehouse team to ensure smooth execution of a large-scale product launch for a national department store, minimizing disruption to the retailer's operations and maximizing customer satisfaction.

ASSUMPTION: The National Account Sales Manager will be expected to work on a variety of projects, from strategic sales planning to tactical execution, to drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does True Brands support the growth and development of its sales team members?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working with specialty retail clients, and how does True Brands address these challenges?
• How does True Brands measure the success of its sales strategies, and what metrics are most important for this role?
• What opportunities are there for career growth and advancement within the Sales department or other areas of the organization?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the company's sales strategies, and the opportunities for career growth and advancement.

📌 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 industry knowledge.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company's growth plans, sales strategies, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Research True Brands' products, clients, and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the business and your enthusiasm for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.