Professional Photographers of America

Job Title: Central & Eastern Regional Sales Manager

Department: Sales & Strategic Alliances

Reports To: SSA Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date: August 19, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

As an employee of PPA, we work together to make PPA an excellent place to work. We engage in meaningful discussions, treat each other with respect and courtesy, and never gossip about one another. We are here to help our members succeed as photographers and small business entities, while promoting the industry of Professional Photography.

As the Central & Eastern Regional Sales Manager, you will oversee account management, sales generation, customer loyalty, and the development of sales strategies for the Central & Eastern regions, including Canada. Your responsibilities will include maintaining existing accounts and expanding the client base with new clients and products. Our product offerings include:

• Magazine advertisements
• Imaging USA booth and sponsorship sales
• Corporate memberships
• Digital advertising

Key Responsibilities:

• Account Management: Maintain and grow relationships with current customers in the Central & Eastern regions and Canada. Prospect for new business opportunities and build long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Sales Strategy: Develop and implement sales proposals to meet customer needs and drive sales growth.
• Problem Solving: Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solutions and solve problems effectively.
• Negotiation and Issue Resolution: Negotiate with vendors on pricing and service commitments. Troubleshoot and resolve service issues and complaints.
• Process Adherence: Follow internal processes to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Track, report, and maintain records and information for a designated territory.
• Lead efforts in prospecting and acquiring new customers within the assigned geography.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders among past, current, and potential customers.
• Oversee all aspects of the sales process, including relationship building, package development to meet customer needs, and sales generation.
• Sell all company products to industry-related vendors, including display ads, tradeshow sponsorship and booth sales, association sponsorship, corporate membership, and online/web-based advertising.
• Actively contribute to the development of new products and processes within the sales department.
• Create and adapt sales pitches and proposals based on the specific needs and interests of clients.
• Possess knowledge of various advertising and marketing channels as they relate to campaigns.
• Travel frequently throughout the assigned territory and to industry events.
• Refer opportunities for product and service growth to the Director for evaluation.
• Manage the implementation of new customers to ensure a smooth transition.
• Enter and maintain all client data CRM and/or PPA's database.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to effectively perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Proven experience in sales, particularly in selling products to customers.
• Knowledge and experience working within a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to develop and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to create and adapt sales pitches and proposals based on client needs.
• Familiarity with various advertising and marketing channels.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 4 year College Degree is preferred. 5 + years of proven sales success- preferably in the area of advertising, publication, event sales and/or sponsorships.

SKILL SET: Highly organized with excellent follow-up skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong negotiating skills. Planning, organization, and problem solving skills. Must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at any level of a client organization. Highly focused attention to detail. Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn and utilize in-house specific software applications. Ability to work with a sense of urgency, in a fast-paced work environment. Self-starter with integrity, enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a strong desire to succeed. Must be able to work both independently and as a team member to market the association.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds without the assistance of another person. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.