Akola ("she works") is empowering 400 women from various walks of marginalization with dignified work to become change-makers in the lives of their 4,000 children and entire communities. 100% of product revenues are reinvested in Akola's social mission to train, employ and empower women globally.
Akola is a community of makers, wearers and supporters who, together, are changing lives for generations to come.
Job DescriptionPOSITION DESCRIPTION
The commission based Independent Account Executive will represent Akola by building our wholesale network within your region. In addition to that you will:
Manage and grow existing account relationships
Analyze distribution and expand NE territory business Responsible for meeting and exceeding quarterly, seasonal and annual sales goals
Manage monthly sales projections and position to goals
Must have an understanding of selling and inventory reports in order to develop a plan to proactively affect sales Participate in seasonal markets and tradeshows
Develop road work plans and be able to travel to accounts for store appointments, events and product knowledge seminars Lead business with best practices in respective space
Create proposed assortment plans and market prep sheets for each key account prior to markets to ensure best performers Provide regular feedback on product performance
Participate in seasonal product projections together with Director of Sales and sales team
Manage and serve customers to ensure all orders are on-time and any potential account or shipping issues are proactively resolved
Mitigate any customer concerns, complaints or issues, including product defects, issuing RA’s, territory conflicts, etc. Manage sample logs and needs
QualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education/training that demonstrates the required knowledge and experience 5+ years sales experience in the apparel, accessories and/or footwear industry
Must have established relationships with key retailers in the Eastern United States
Must have an understanding of the apparel, footwear or accessories marketplace
Must be a self-starter, solution focused and a proactive problem-solver
Must be comfortable on the phone and in person
Must have great communication and follow-through skills Must have a positive attitude and want to be part of an entrpreneurial environment and be team-focused
Ability to multi-task, and work well across divisions Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong presentation skills
Travel required
Additional InformationAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, training, or experience
- 5+ years of sales experience in the apparel, accessories, or footwear industry
- Established relationships with key retailers in the Eastern United States
- Understanding of the apparel, footwear, or accessories marketplace
- Self-starter with a solution-focused and proactive problem-solving approach
- Comfortable communicating by phone and in person
- Strong communication, follow-through, written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Positive attitude and ability to work in an entrepreneurial, team-focused environment
- Ability to multitask and work across divisions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to travel to accounts, markets, and tradeshows
What We Do
Akola is a nonprofit jewelry brand and social enterprise that creates handcrafted, globally inspired designs while generating dignified, sustainable employment for women in Uganda. Its vertically integrated manufacturing model provides artisans with wages, training, and long-term opportunity, and product sales reinvest revenue into the organization’s social mission. Through commerce, Akola aims to strengthen women, families, and communities across generations while building lasting economic resilience.
