Cara Benefield
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Collaborative Key Account Manager with demonstrated success in relationship building, negotiating and developing new business within targeted and assigned accounts. Self-motivated, knowledge-seeking and adaptable.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Account Manager
Shawmut Corporation
01.2021 - Current
- Clearly communicate textile and lamination service offerings for headliner and other automotive interior offerings.
- Lead customer quotation, purchase order and sales forecasting activities
- Secure and maintain high-value accounts through consultative selling and effective customer solutions.
- Conduct regular account reviews with clients to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and strategize future growth opportunities.
- Collaborate cross functional teams including executive, design, engineering, and supply chain teams
- Create business cases for new development targets.
Plant program manager
Shawmut Corporation
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Communicated sample status to all pertinent stake holders through sample lifecycle
- Coordinated with internal teams and customers to gather key product request details and meet deliverables
- Lead multiple weekly meetings to engage cross functional teams in support of new launch and development activities
- Trained incoming team members at local and global locations
- Maintained accurate build records, shipping documentation, and PO records.
Product Manager
Patricia Nash Designs
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Managed all sampling activities for assigned collections with responsibility for 2,000 SKUs per season
- Worked closely with multiple factories to accurately coordinate material sourcing activities
- Initiated brand guides to ensure all packaging is compliant with vendor guidelines
- Prevented charge backs and shipping delays by conducting precise compliance test plans for all products
- Engaged with production plants, vendors, and retailers daily; maintained long-term relationships.
Office Manager & Sales Coordinator
Keller Williams-Pozy Team
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Conducted extensive cold calls to both buyers and sellers to set appointments for agents
- Managed agent contracts to ensure all contracts were compliant during each phase of the transaction process
- Engaged with and maintained professional relationships with clients, title companies, inspectors, and lenders.
Outside Sales Representative
Korkat
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided accurate bids and proposals for contracts related to specialized playground equipment solutions and managed the end-to-end sales process from initial contact through to final installation
- Engaged with various prospects including architectural firms, urban planning organizations and municipalities
- Ensured all equipment was designed to fit specifications for park installation while meeting safety and ADA regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Communication -
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Associate of Science in General Studies -
SOUTHERN UNION STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data-driven decision-making
- Multitasking Abilities
- Task Prioritization
Timeline
Key Account Manager
Shawmut Corporation
01.2021 - Current
Plant program manager
Shawmut Corporation
01.2019 - 01.2021
Product Manager
Patricia Nash Designs
01.2016 - 01.2019
Office Manager & Sales Coordinator
Keller Williams-Pozy Team
01.2014 - 01.2016
Outside Sales Representative
Korkat
01.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts in Communication -
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Associate of Science in General Studies -
SOUTHERN UNION STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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