Account Manager - Sales

Hoffman Nursery, Inc.                                                          
Position Description

Position: Account Manager

Reports To: Director of Sales and New Business Development

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Hybrid

Schedule: Average 40-45 hours per week, with occasional weekend work based on business needs.

Location: Rougemont, North Carolina, with hybrid work-from-home flexibility.

Compensation: $28.00 to $33.00 per hour DOE, plus monthly sales commission based on achievement of established sales goals.

Purpose
The Account Manager is responsible for driving sales growth, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering excellent customer service. This position engages customers primarily by phone, identifies opportunities to expand customer programs through appropriate products and services, prepares and follows quotes, and works to close sales. The Account Manager also partners with internal teams to support accurate order fulfillment, product availability, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sales

- Develop deep product knowledge of Hoffman offerings and their applications across market segments and environments.

- Execute daily sales activities, including proactive customer outreach, quote preparation and follow-up, order processing, upselling, and closing sales.

- Participate in the development and execution of monthly sales strategies and follow up on leads generated by marketing campaigns.

- Maintain accurate customer records and use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central effectively to support sales and follow-up activities.

- Participate in team meetings, report results, and contribute to strategy discussions.

- Monitor outbound plant quality when needed.

- Conduct customer tours of the nursery to showcase product offerings.

- Coordinate customer pickups as needed to ensure smooth transactions.

- Represent HNI at selected trade shows, customer site visits, and other sales-related events.

- Use diplomacy, tact, and strong negotiation skills to support individual and team sales success.

- Maintain a professional image, appearance, and demeanor in all written, verbal, and in-person interactions.

Customer Service

- Proactively contact customers by phone and other methods to address sales and service needs.

- Distribute plant availability lists, catalogs, and marketing materials to customers upon request.

- Communicate clearly with customers regarding order status, acknowledgments, and shipment details.

- Coordinate with Shipping, Growing, and other internal departments to schedule customer shipments and resolve plant availability or quality issues before communicating with customers.

- Conduct pre- and post-shipment courtesy calls to confirm deliveries and ensure customer satisfaction.

- Use the phone system proficiently, including handling messages and directing calls appropriately.

- Foster a positive working environment by maintaining respectful and professional communication with both customers and HNI team members.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

- Follow all HNI safety guidelines and company policies.

- Align with and uphold Hoffman Nursery’s core values.

- Perform additional duties assigned to meet business needs.

Required Qualifications

- 1-2 years of sales experience; horticultural sales experience is preferred but not required.

- Knowledge of or strong interest in horticulture or a related field, with a willingness to develop strong product knowledge.

- Driven by continuous improvement, with the ability to learn quickly and adapt readily.

- Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a proven ability to meet sales targets.

- Excellent phone skills, active listening, and professional communication.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business software; quick learner of new systems.

- Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask with a high degree of accuracy in a fast-paced setting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

- Primarily desk-based with frequent phone and keyboard use.

- Clear verbal communication required.

- Frequent standing and walking during nursery tours, trade shows, customer visits, and other on-site or off-site events.

Position Details

- Full-time, hourly, hybrid position averaging 40-45 hours per week.

- Approximately 15-20% travel is required for trade shows, customer visits, and sales events.

This job description is not an employment contract and is not intended to contain a complete listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change based on business needs and at the request of the supervisor or management.

Hoffman Nursery, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment is at will, and HNI participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States.