SPENCER COLE
Camarillo,CA
Summary
Experienced with global account management, building long-lasting client relationships, and identifying growth opportunities. Utilizes strategic planning and negotiation skills to drive business success. Track record of effective communication and collaborative team leadership.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Global Account Manager
Winston Industries
Remote, California
02.2015 - 12.2024
- Responsible for sales for identified key accounts within the USA chains, all sales for Canada, South Pacific, Africa, and Europe
- Primary activities include communicating with partners, developing relationships with regional franchisee communities and C-suite executives, implementing strategic plans directly involving the account, development efforts within corporate and regional R&D teams, and preparing continual reporting function of the applicable accounts
- Achieved regional sales objectives by leading product demos and conducting high-level training sessions for dealers, manufacture reps, distributors, and end users, driving adoption of advanced cooking technologies
- Led the global product launch and brand redesign for CVap equipment, managing international alpha and beta testing across three countries
- Spearheaded efforts for a successful launch are projected to generate $5.5 million in annual revenue during the inaugural year
- Managed multiple 24-month sales cycles for key accounts, driving significant growth in equipment orders from national and international chains, surpassing sales metrics, and bolstered market share
- Helmed the operational initiative for the launch of the NEW Winston pressure fryer and holding cabinets, entrusted with safeguarding global brand standards in collaboration with KFC across three continents
- This initiative is projected to yield annual sales revenue in excess of $8.2 million in its first year
- Designed and executed strategic account plans for designated territories, resulting in an 18% sales increase and establishing long-term relationships with C-suite executives
- Oversaw the sale and distribution timelines for multiple $1-2 million equipment rollouts, orchestrating collaboration with clients' culinary, facilities, operations, and construction teams to ensure a seamless and successful implementation
- Managed CRM entries, maintained accurate sales forecasts, and compiled detailed reports on pipeline and market trends to inform strategic decisions
- Collaborated in internal and external product development initiatives to tailor solutions that meet specific customer needs
- Oversaw a global sales distribution and service network of more than 20 companies, 100 plus personnel spanning Europe, the South Pacific, Canada, Africa, and USA, ensuring peak sales and service performance and facilitating seamless operational efficiency
- Conducted live cooking demonstrations and represented the Winston at regional, national, and international trade shows, driving lead conversion and enhancing brand visibility
- Compiled monthly reports to monitor performance against sales objectives, while ensuring stringent adherence to administrative responsibilities and compliance with assigned administrative responsibilities
- Project lead for customer product development projects, coordinating communication between Winston's culinary team and clients to ensure alignment and successful outcomes
- Expanding relationships beyond purchase orders to build tenured relationships with brands
Director Culinary Marketing
KOR Food Innovation
Richmond, VA
08.2013 - 01.2015
- Director of culinary for a food marketing and consulting agency
- Worked with a team of R&D chefs, food technologists, and marketing team to bring food products from ideation to production across different food service segments
- Facilitated and supported sensory focus groups for evaluating food-related products and food service equipment, analyzed data, and presented comprehensive insights and recommendations to customers
- Forged a strategic alliance with Performance Food Group (PFG) to conceptualize and implement a comprehensive menu partnership with select Richmond, VA restaurants, encompassing the opening, training, and development of multiple establishments, and optimizing the integration of PFG's culinary offerings
- Directed the product development of consumer-packaged goods benchtop cuttings, orchestrating small-scale production runs within a manufacturing facility, and delivering polished final products to corporate buyers for evaluation and endorsement
- Led the culinary division to support DuPont Tejin Myar COOK film for packaging applications, including extensive R&D of diverse food products in collaboration with Multivac thermoform packaging machines
- Designed and tested the new Hamilton Beach stand mixer, including hosting and analyzing focus groups, validating product performance, and conducting comparative analysis of competitive brands and designs
- Conducted product ideation and development for national commodity boards, international hotel brands, and food manufacturers, creating tailored solutions to meet diverse industry needs
- Served as the culinary expert and representative for clients at major food-centric tradeshows nationwide, including Flavor Experience, Research Chef's Association, National Restaurant Association, International Food Technology, Pack Expo, Pizza Expo, and Food Arts Expo
- Contributing writer for Flavor in the Menu magazine
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching Food Service
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI 08.2010 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI 08.2007 - 05.2010
Skills
Collaboration
Trade Show & Event Representation
Contract Negotiation
Multi-Unit Operations
Revenue growth
Time management
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking
Operations management
Excellent communication
Self motivation
Client relationship management
Verbal and written communication
Organizational skills
Timeline
Global Account Manager
Winston Industries
02.2015 - 12.2024
Director Culinary Marketing
KOR Food Innovation
08.2013 - 01.2015
Master of Arts - Teaching Food Service
Johnson & Wales University
08.2010 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
08.2007 - 05.2010