Account Manager - Southeast

Critical Mass Group works with some of the most innovative, exciting brands in the food and beverage space. Our extensive expertise, strategic relationships and relentless execution in sales and distribution provide our unique brands the foundation and pathway for sustainable growth. Our team of experts builds outstanding brands.

This role will be based in the greater Southeast region of the United States.

The Account Manager is responsible for growing sales of the Company's brand partners at current and new retailers in their area of responsibility. This position is tasked with delivering profitable sales results, which include engaging existing and new retail accounts, creating successful promotional plans, and expanding distribution through existing and new distribution partners.

• General / Strategic
  • Create, build, and maintain strong partnerships with distributors and retailers to grow brands in the assigned geography.
  • Execute the go-to-market strategy for brands in retail channels in the assigned geography:
    • Drive sales in current footprint.
    • Expand into new regional retailers.
    • Grow footprint of regional chains through distribution network.
    • Build sustainable, long‑term relationships with our retailer partners.
  • Strong emphasis on continued education with internal and external sales teams on category management, innovation, market conditions, competitor knowledge and trends in their area of responsibility.
• Promotional Planning
  • Develop, present, and execute brand promotional plans on a retailer‑by‑retailer basis.
  • Improve execution of distribution, new item introductions, schematic implementation, promotional plans, forecasts, and channel strategies.
  • Communicate to distributor partners to execute trade execution with upcoming promotional programs and activities.
• Analytical Reporting
  • Prepare, develop, and deliver metrics and analytical reports that give the internal team and brand partners timely, flexible, and structured access to their business information.
  • Request and analyze distribution reports to determine market coverage and opportunities for future growth.
  • Conduct store audits to ensure merchandising standards are adhered to and promotional programming is executed.
  • Build a seamless connection internally with management to track and manage promotional spending and accrual funds to maximize ROI; drive profitable volume for trade spend levels.
  • Work with management to understand business and functional requirements, implement solutions to support analytical and reporting needs, and assist them in identifying patterns and anomalies.
  • Optimize sales and operational efficiency through innovative thinking, process improvement, data manipulation, system enhancement and best practices.
• Brand Management / Relations
  • Assure a high level of customer service by handling customer concerns and follow‑up proactively.
  • Resolve customer issues by following appropriate administrative processes and company policies and escalating issues to management as appropriate.
  • Understand, create, and deliver high‑quality audience‑appropriate communication with brand partners.
  • Report back progress, successes, and challenges to management in a timely manner.
• Miscellaneous
  • Participate in distributor kick‑offs, recurring meetings, and ride‑along sessions to promote the company brands.
  • Coordinate and participate in trade shows (e.g., Natural Products Expo, Fancy Foods, NACS and distributor shows).
  • Demonstrate a passion for all the Company's products.
  • Embrace our brand image and model the Company's cultures, values, and behavior – always representing the Company positively and energetically.

• Passionate about food and beverages, independent thinker and doer, enjoys sharing discoveries with others.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Sales, Business Administration, Business Management.
• 2+ years of successful sales experience with increasing responsibility with retail customers.
• Established relationships and demonstrated success working with key retail accounts and associated distributors.
• Working knowledge of financials used in the sales process such as costing, margin, profitability, promotional spending, and allowances.
• Passionate and results‑oriented individual who demonstrates persistence, problem‑solving, and innovation.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with excellent interpersonal, written/oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a hands‑on, fast‑paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Highly adaptable and resourceful; proactive rather than reactive.
• Proficient in syndicated data tools (e.g., SPINs, IRI, Nielsen).