Sales Account Manager

Sales Account Manager - Live Goods

Bell Nursery is seeking an experienced Sales Account Manager responsible for developing and managing relationships with independent garden centers, retail nurseries, landscapers, and other horticultural customers within an assigned territory. This role drives sales growth by promoting the company's live goods portfolio with a primary emphasis on shrubs and trees. The ideal candidate combines horticultural knowledge with strong sales and account management skills to deliver exceptional customer service and profitable growth.

Measures of Success and Key Responsibilities:

Account Management & Sales

• Manage and grow a portfolio of independent nursery and garden center accounts.
• Develop annual sales plans and revenue targets for assigned customers.
• Identify opportunities to increase market share and expand product placement.
• Conduct regular customer visits to review inventory needs, merchandising opportunities, and seasonal programs.
• Build long-term relationships with owners, buyers, and management teams.
• Negotiate pricing, promotions, and seasonal contracts within company guidelines.

Business Development

• Prospect and secure new independent nursery and landscape accounts.
• Introduce new plant varieties, programs, and product offerings.
• Monitor local market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs.
• Develop strategies to increase sales penetration within the territory.

Product & Inventory Management

• Collaborate with production, growing, and logistics teams to ensure product availability and customer satisfaction.
• Assist customers with forecasting and seasonal planning.

Customer Service

• Resolve customer concerns related to quality, delivery, availability, and service.
• Provide expert guidance on plant selection, merchandising, and retail performance.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Industry Representation

• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and customer open houses.
• Stay current on horticultural trends, new plant introductions, and market developments.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customers regarding plant performance and retail best practices.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Business, Agriculture, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of sales, account management, or nursery industry experience.
• Knowledge of live goods, plant production, nursery operations, or garden center retailing.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within assigned territory. Experience selling live plants to independent garden centers or landscape customers.
• Existing relationships within the nursery and horticulture industry.
• Understanding of seasonal forecasting, inventory management, and merchandising.
• Certified Nursery Professional (CNP), ISA, or other horticultural certifications.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, greenhouse/nursery visits / customer site visits
• Requires travel to customer sites as well as internal locations
• Frequent travel (50-75%) throughout assigned territory.
• Ability to walk nurseries, garden centers, and growing facilities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Compensation

• Base salary plus performance-based commission.
• Compensated travel to locations.
• Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Professional development and industry training opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.