National Account Manager-League

ABOUT BDA
BDA brings the world’s biggest brands to life through promotional merchandise. Fortune 500 companies come to us looking to connect with their consumers on an emotional level. We create three-dimensional advertising that people invite into their homes, offices, cars and classrooms. We let people see, touch, feel, own and interact with a brand in a way no other marketing permits. It’s what we like to call the Power of Merchandise.

We give our team members the creative freedom and foster the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to champion our clients’ branding goals utilizing cutting edge ideas. Our people are our No. 1 asset, and we remain committed to making our company a great place to work for our team and family.

We take great pride in our company culture—one that inspires teamwork, fun and excellence across our organization. We’re energetic people who love what we do—churning out more than 50 million units each year for the world’s most admired brands in a fun, fast paced environment that rewards high achievement.

JOB SUMMARY

As a National Account Manager at BDA, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients. Your primary focus will be on understanding the clients’ needs and objectives, recommending suitable merchandise solutions and programs, and ensuring the successful execution and on-time delivery of projects. This role requires a deep understanding of the sports industry, sponsorship dynamics, and merchandising strategies. The individual in this position will work closely with clients, internal teams, and external partners to drive revenue, enhance brand visibility, and strengthen client relationships.

The role of a National Account Manager at BDA is dynamic and customer-focused. Success in this position requires a combination of sales acumen, relationship building, creativity, project management,  product knowledge, and the ability to consistently deliver excellent service to clients. By fostering strong relationships and providing valuable promotional solutions, the National Account Manager significantly contributes to the growth and success of BDA and the client’s marketing and branding goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be on client site 3-4 days a week
• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with existing clients
• Act as main point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally. Serves as escalation point for direct reports and client needs.
• Understand clients’ promotional objectives, target audience, budget and deadline constraints to offer tailored promotional merchandise solutions
• Advise clients on the most suitable merchandise solutions that align with their marketing goals and brand image.
• Stay updated on industry trends, product knowledge, and best practices to provide informed recommendations
• Understand BDA business units and services to evaluate and Identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell additional products, programs or services to existing clients
• Understand, interpret and analyze financial aspects of accounts to make sound financial business decisions for BDA.  Review and analysis of client reports, sales revenue, gross margins, sales reports, operating expenses etc.
• Create compelling proposals & presentations that showcase the value of our products and services
• Works with Director to develop proactive strategy/set direction for assigned account(s).
• Creates compelling presentations and pitches for client opportunities.
• Prepare accurate and competitive quotes for clients based on their requirements.
• Lead with positive intent and work together with both internal and external customers.
• Coordinate and collaborate with client service coordinators, production associates, and other cross functional teams (design, logistics, purchasing etc) to deliver on spec and on time.
• Assist Director with client business reviews.  Monitor client satisfaction and address any issues to ensure a high level of customer retention.
• Conduct post-order follow ups to gather feedback and assess the success of the promotional project/program
• Meet and exceed assigned sales targets and contribute to BDA’s revenue growth while working within assigned budgets and forecasts.  Deliver results by achieving short and long-term sales and profitability goals.
• Work with Director to set revenue and margin goals for entire team.  Maintain and grow individual budget while managing and supporting the growth of collective client portfolio of team ($7M plus benchmark)
• Coach and mentor other Account Managers and Associate Account Managers on key account team.
• Manage performance management documentation of direct reports to include CDPs, PIPs and written warning process with Director. Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports.  
• Assist Director in interviewing and recruiting of new talent
• Stay informed about the competitive landscape and industry trends to enhance our offerings and maintain a competitive edge.
• Manage contact and opportunity database and execute strategic account plans
• Exude high levels of professionalism when interacting with clients, internal partners and external vendors and agencies

JOB SKILLS AND TRAITS

• Creativity and experience in merchandise. Ability to come up with out of the box, fresh new ideas
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple clients and orders simultaneously
• Fast paced, deadline driven multi-tasker
• Leads by example and develops team to learn and grow new skills
• Energetic self starter who exudes accountability, urgency and passion
• Team player 
• Strong interpersonal, communication, customer service and presentation skills to build and maintain client relationships effectively
• Possess strong financial acumen with an understanding of calculating financial data such as margins & discounts to ensure profitable sales results.
• Exceptional negotiation and problem-solving abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years proven experience in sales, business development and account management
• Sports background highly preferred. 
• Proven track record of increasing sales and business opportunities through client development
• Proficient in MS Office suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, Powerpoint)
• Proficiency in using CRM software and other relevant tools for sales and order management. (Salesforce preferred)
• Promotional merchandise experience preferred but not required
• Travel requirement- moderate (approx 6-10 trips per year)
• Direct reports-3-4