Key Account Manager I

About the role

The Key Account Manager I is responsible for driving sales growth, distribution, and execution for assigned customer accounts. This role partners closely with internal teams including Customer Managers, Order Entry, Claims, Category Management, Schematics, and Retail Services to achieve client objectives and increase sales volume within assigned markets. The incumbent may support multiple client accounts and is responsible for customer relationship management, client engagement, sales execution, and business growth initiatives.

Assigned clients may include

• Pioneering Clients: Manufacturers seeking to establish distribution with customers where they currently have little or no presence.
• Regional Clients: Manufacturers that engage services on a regional, market-specific, or customer-specific basis rather than through a national agreement.
• Tier 3 Clients: Manufacturers with smaller sales volume, SKU counts, and revenue contribution requiring dedicated account support and growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive client business growth within assigned accounts by increasing distribution, sales, market share, and key performance indicators while managing within budget guidelines.
• Ensure successful retail merchandising execution and support basic eCommerce initiatives.
• Achieve sales, income, and expense targets through effective marketing and promotional strategies.
• Analyze sales trends and performance data to identify growth opportunities and provide strategic recommendations to clients and customers.
• Manage promotional spending efficiently to drive growth while maintaining compliance with budget parameters.
• Oversee trade funds, accruals, and bill-back programs to ensure accurate financial management and prevent budget overspend.
• Meet or exceed client objectives for sales, distribution, market share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume.
• Identify and execute strategies that capitalize on new business opportunities.
• Lead retailer headquarters engagement and build relationships with key decision-makers to support business objectives.
• Maximize manufacturer marketing and promotional investments while adhering to financial guidelines.
• Maintain accurate retail pricing and indirect order guides by proactively resolving discrepancies.
• Secure approved planograms and schematics for client brands through coordination with schematic, reset, and retail teams.
• Drive incremental sales through new product distribution and effective management of existing SKU portfolios.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in sales, account management, consumer packaged goods, retail, or a related field preferred.

Skills

• Strong sales presentation, negotiation, and business development skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of syndicated data and category insights.
• Intermediate to advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs and priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify growth opportunities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive results.

Benefits

• Full-Time Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
• 401(k) with company match
• Training and Career Development
• Generous Paid Time-Off