We’re looking for a motivated and results-driven Upper Midwest Account Manager to drive growth across the Upper Midwest U.S. This exciting opportunity covers the key markets of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota. If you are motivated and enthusiastic about sales, we invite you to join our team.

WHAT SETS US APART?

• Competitive compensation plan, base salary, and annual incentive
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, vision, short term and long- term disability and wellness programs
• 401-k plan with company match
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Collaborative and Innovative work environment

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS

The Account Manager-Upper Midwest will drive sales growth and manage key customer relationships across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This role focuses on expanding profitable sales through customer engagement via presentations, sales meetings, tradeshows, and industry events, dedicating 75% of time to these activities. Additional responsibilities include tracking, reporting, nurturing opportunities, scheduling meetings, telemarketing, coordinating campaigns, preparing quotes, and conducting client visits. Collaboration with the Regional Sales Manager ensures alignment with company strategies. The ideal candidate is proactive, results-driven, and focused on increasing sales and building strong relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the promotional products and/or apparel industry, with a proven track record of success in sales roles.
• Possess in-depth expertise in presenting and quoting products, including apparel lines, decoration techniques, Vantage Apparel's proprietary styles, wholesale items, prestige brands, private label options, and custom design capabilities.
• Conduct professional, high-level consultative sales meetings to develop solutions, negotiate pricing and services, or resolve conflicts.
• Proactively manage and expand business relationships with existing customers while identifying and cultivating new prospects, primarily within the promotional product distributor market in the Upper Midwest Territory.
• Flexibility to travel overnight within and outside the assigned territory, including potential travel to other regions for training, meetings, events, or customer support, while adhering to current pandemic-related travel restrictions.
• Operate independently to achieve objectives, while collaborating effectively in virtual team settings to support company and customer goals.
• Demonstrate creativity, positivity, and a proven ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts effectively.

Ideal Candidate Profile 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• The ability to collaborate as a team player and interact successfully with people at all levels within and outside of the organization in support of larger goals and objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills with and attention to detail.
• Preferred candidate will be based in Milwaukee or Minneapolis, Wisconsin.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of professionalism in communication, attitude, and teamwork with customers, peers, and management. 
• Knowledge of the promotional products industry, including its business model, pricing structures, key companies, and professionals, is preferred.
• Familiarity with the apparel and/or decorated apparel sectors, as well as Vantage Apparel's product lines and services, is beneficial.
• Understanding of the assigned geographical territory.
• Must have reliable, ongoing access to independent transportation.
• Proven ability to communicate creative solutions with confidence, clarity, and ease.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE COMPUTER SKILLS

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in Business Development or a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in sales.  

COMPUTER SKILLS   

Demonstrated high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint 

CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES 

May be required to have a valid driver’s license and meet Vantage Driver Approval requirements.

At Vantage Apparel we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status.