About this position
A&I Distributors is committed to Moving Forward Together by reinforcing the A&I Way—a culture driven by Service Excellence, Integrity, Trust, Grit, and Ingenuity. Every role at A&I contributes to our long-term success, and having clear roles, measurable goals, and accountability is essential to ensuring our company remains viable, relevant, and strong into our next 100 years.
Role Summary
Position: National Accounts Specialist
Reports To: National Account Manager
Works With: Purchasing, Credit, Sales Leadership, Customer Service, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Senior Leadership
Time Commitment: Minimum 40 hours per week (plus Greater Good and Grit - whatever it takes)
Location: On Site M-F 8 am to 5 pm with one hour lunch
Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic Account Management
- Execute strategic account plans for key National Accounts.
- Maintain long-term relationships with key decision-makers and influencers.
- Maintain a paperless and organized documentation system for national account transactions, invoices, and contracts.
- Gain proficiency in national account programs available through CSD.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel to streamline workflow for GL coding and tracking account statements.
- Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure product availability and fulfillment consistency.
- Partner with Credit to ensure accurate and timely application of credits and avoid invoice aging.
Sales & Revenue Growth
- Monitor customer-specific portals, process approvals, and ensure timely order submissions to the Order Entry team.
- Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities outside of national contracts; coordinate with Inside Sales to capture additional business.
- Collaborate with Finance to understand and apply applicable state-specific tax requirements, such as environmental fees in Washington and Oregon.
Performance Tracking & Issue Resolution
- Monitor sales performance, account behavior, and fulfillment metrics for each National Account.
- Research and resolve account discrepancies proactively, clearing invoices over 60 days on a monthly cadence.
- Act as the first point of contact and escalation for operational, service, or financial issues tied to National Accounts.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Coordinate with Purchasing, Marketing, Finance, Logistics, and Credit to ensure seamless National Account service.
- Serve as the bridge between field sales, inside service teams, and strategic account needs.
Market & Competitive Intelligence
- Stay informed about competitor activities, trends in National Account management, and shifts in customer expectations.
- Use insights to adapt and enhance the A&I National Account strategy.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
- The National Accounts Specialist shall not disclose, divulge, or use any confidential A&I information without proper authorization.
- Confidentiality obligations remain in effect during and beyond the term of employment.
Expectations & Performance Standards
- Relationship Stewardship: Build and protect high-value relationships with National Accounts.
- Operational Excellence: Maintain accuracy and timeliness in approvals, invoicing, and issue resolution.
- Sales Contribution: Expand revenue through retention, upselling, and capturing uncovered customer needs.
- Cross-functional Communication: Provide consistent updates to leadership and collaborate effectively across departments.
- Issue Resolution: Identify and address bottlenecks with urgency and professionalism.
- Data Integrity & Reporting: Maintain accurate data and timely reporting on National Account metrics.
- Accounts Payable experience helpful but not required – willing to train the right person
- Basic knowledge of General Ledger helpful
- Data entry experience required
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Microsoft Office Suite – Intermediate Word, Excel, Outlook
- Must be able to multi-task with high attention to detail
- Good written and verbal communication
- Update and maintain spreadsheets
- Open and able to learn industry specific terms and processes
- Positive attitude with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Analytical abilities
- Ability to learn new tasks and responsibilities
- Cross-train with other administrative positions