Account Specialist - Local Contract

The Account Specialist – Local Contract Department is responsible for supporting the execution, coordination, and day-to-day management of assigned Local Contract accounts. This role partners closely with Account Executives and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless service delivery, contract compliance, and operational excellence across all customer locations.

The Account Specialist serves as a key internal and external liaison, ensuring customer needs are communicated, executed, and maintained at a high level—contributing to customer satisfaction, retention, and overall account performance. This role plays a critical part in delivering a consistent, high-quality customer experience while supporting the growth and profitability of the Local Contract portfolio.

Benefits for Harbor Team Members include paid vacation, sick, personal and holidays, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match and Employee Assistance Program

The pay range is between $26.00/hour and $ 31.00/hour

Account Support & Execution

• Support Account Executives in managing assigned Local Contract customers and initiatives
• Act as a primary point of contact for day-to-day account needs, requests, and issue resolution
• Supports the Account Executive in onboarding activities and ensures Harbor underpromises and overdelivers on our commitments to our new customers.
• Maintain consistent communication with customers to ensure expectations are met and exceeded

Operational Coordination

• Serve as the liaison between customers and internal Harbor teams (Procurement, Category Management, Finance, QIA, Transportation, and Warehouse)
• Coordinate and communicate customer-specific requirements, programs, and service expectations
• Monitor order flow, service levels, and delivery performance to ensure operational excellence
• Proactively identify and communicate service issues with the Account Executive and be part of the solution.

Contract & Pricing Management

• Support in the maintenance of customer pricing, contract terms, and agreement details within internal systems
• Ensure contract compliance across all locations and support initiatives to increase participation
• Assist in managing bids, pricing updates, and contract renewals
• Monitor margin, rebates, and program performance to support overall account profitability.

Reporting & Analytics

• Create, maintain, and distribute customer reporting (sales, margin, compliance, service metrics)
• Support Account Executive in identifying trends, opportunities, and risks within accounts
• Support Account Executives with preparation for business reviews and customer presentations
• Track key metrics and ensure alignment with department and company objectives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal teams to ensure alignment on customer expectations and execution
• Support communication and training of internal teams on customer-specific protocols
• Assist in managing special projects, LTOs, and initiatives across assigned accounts
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, automation, and service levels

Customer Experience & Relationship Support

• Build strong working relationships with key customer contacts at the operational level
• Provide responsive, proactive service to enhance customer satisfaction and retention
• Support the Account Executive in delivering value-added solutions and insights to customers
• Represent Harbor’s service-first culture in all customer interactions

Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience in foodservice distribution, account coordination, customer service, or related role
• Experience supporting multi-unit or contract-managed accounts preferred

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in execution
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Financial and operational awareness (pricing, margin, contract structure)

Technical & Other Requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams) and CRM systems
• Ability to analyze data and produce actionable insights
• Strong understanding of foodservice operations and distribution processes preferred

Key Success Metrics

• Customer satisfaction and retention within assigned accounts
• Accuracy and timeliness of account execution (pricing, contracts, reporting)
• Service level performance and issue resolution effectiveness
• Contract compliance and participation levels
• Internal partner feedback and cross-functional execution

Position Impact

This role is critical to the success of the Local Contract Department by ensuring that account execution is consistent, detailed, and customer-focused. The Account Specialist enables Account Executives to operate at a higher strategic level by managing the operational and coordination aspects of the business.
By delivering exceptional support, maintaining strong internal alignment, and driving execution excellence, the Account Specialist helps strengthen customer partnerships and supports Harbor Foodservice’s continued growth as a trusted, solutions-based distributor.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/Vets/Disabled