Associate National Accounts Manager

Company Description

Lean In Bentonville is focused on activating and elevating consumer brands within the world’s largest retail environments. The organization partners closely with national retailers and brand owners to create compelling in-store and omni-channel experiences that drive sales and shopper engagement. Team members work at the intersection of brand strategy, retail execution, and data-driven performance, gaining exposure to leading CPG and retail companies.

Lean In Bentonville offers a collaborative, fast-paced setting that values initiative, creativity, and measurable results.

The Associate National Accounts Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Bentonville, AR.

• Manage day-to-day business activities for assigned Walmart and Sam’s Club accounts.
• Develop strong working relationships with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, replenishment managers, planners, and cross-functional teams.
• Represent multiple consumer product manufacturers with professionalism and integrity.
• Assist in developing annual business plans and growth strategies for each client.
• Coordinate meetings, line reviews, product presentations, and retailer communications.

• Support the introduction of new products and programs to Walmart and Sam’s Club.
• Prepare compelling sales presentations using customer insights, category trends, and financial analysis.
• Identify opportunities to increase distribution, improve assortment, expand merchandising, and drive incremental sales.
• Help negotiate programs, pricing, promotional opportunities, and seasonal initiatives.
• Monitor competitive activity and communicate marketplace intelligence to clients.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned manufacturers.
• Maintain regular communication regarding sales performance, opportunities, and retailer feedback.
• Provide proactive recommendations to improve retail performance.
• Build long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness, and measurable results.

• Analyze sales data, inventory levels, forecasts, replenishment trends, and promotional performance.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly business reports.
• Utilize Walmart reporting systems and syndicated data to identify opportunities.
• Track key performance indicators including sales, margins, inventory health, and in-stock performance.

• Coordinate with marketing, supply chain, operations, finance, and product development teams.
• Assist clients with forecasting, launch planning, and retailer requirements.
• Help resolve operational issues including supply disruptions, item setup, replenishment, and compliance concerns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–3 years of experience in consumer products, retail sales, category management, merchandising, or account management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple brands and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

• Experience working with Walmart or Sam’s Club.
• Familiarity with Retail Link, Luminate, Scintilla, syndicated data (Circana/Nielsen), or category management tools.
• Experience with in a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, sales agency, or retail supplier.
• Knowledge of Walmart supplier processes and merchandising systems.

• Relationship Builder
• Business Acumen
• Strategic Thinker
• Data-Driven Decision Maker
• Exceptional Communicator
• Attention to Detail
• Customer-Focused
• High Integrity
• Results-Oriented

Within the first 12–18 months, the Associate National Account Manager will:

• Successfully manage multiple client brands.
• Build productive relationships with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants.
• Contribute to new item wins and expanded distribution.
• Deliver accurate reporting and actionable business insights.
• Help clients grow sales and profitability.
• Demonstrate readiness for promotion to National Account Manager.