Account Manager - Specialty Retail

Launched in 2014 by former philosophy professor David Barnett, Pop Sockets is a global digital-lifestyle company that sells empowering, fun, and expressive products that improve people’s digital lives. Pop Sockets has sold close to 300 million of its iconic phone grips in 75 countries and now has an expanding ecosystem of related products, including phone cases, wallets, mounts, batteries, and chargers.

Our mission is to empower enhanced mobile functionality, self-expression, and authentic human connection. We imagine an Eternal Positivity Machine that sparks joy, creativity, and meaningful relationships. We bring this vision to life by upholding the highest standards in materials, packaging, logistics, and design—while ensuring our supply chain and labor practices remain ethical, responsible, and transparent.

In 2021, Pop Sockets was honored as one of Fast Company’s World's Most Innovative Companies.

• Account Leadership & Relationship Management:
• Serve as the primary owner for all Specialty Retail accounts, including department stores, pop culture retailers, book/toy chains, and promo/closeout buyers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across buying, planning, supply chain, and marketing teams.
• Develop joint business plans (JBPs) and quarterly/seasonal strategies tailored to each retailer’s unique format and shopper base.

• Sales Planning & Business Growth:
• Own revenue forecasting, opportunity sizing, and performance analysis for each account.
• Drive new distribution expansion opportunities across categories and sub-classifications.
• Manage seasonal pitches, category reviews, product previews, and promotional negotiations.
• Identify white-space opportunities for limited editions, fandom tie-ins, or exclusive product collaborations.
• Manage external partners, including outside sales agencies and promotional suppliers to unlock growth opportunities.

• Operations & Merchandising Execution:
• Ensure flawless item setup, content accuracy, packaging readiness, and in-store merchandising execution in collaboration with Sales Operations and Marketing.
• Track inventory levels, replenishment performance, and sell-through trends; proactively address risks ranging from stock-outs to slow-moving SKUs.
• Manage order flow, PO accuracy, and shipping timelines across a highly varied retailer base with the support of the Sales Operations team.

• Promo & Closeout Channel Management:
• Manage relationships with off-price and closeout partners to monetize aged inventory responsibly while protecting brand integrity.
• Develop sell-down strategies and timing in coordination with Finance, Planning, and Operations.
• Ensure compliance with channel segmentation, pricing guardrails, and distribution policies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with Marketing on account-specific campaigns, retail storytelling, in-store displays, and seasonal marketing alignment.
• Collaborate with Product teams on line architecture, retailer exclusives, and product innovation opportunities.
• Work with Finance and Operations to optimize margins, freight planning, and demand forecasting accuracy.

• Reporting & Insights:
• Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance updates, highlighting KPIs, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Leverage industry trends, pop culture/fandom insights, and competitive analysis to shape account strategies.
• Monitor promotional effectiveness and provide post-mortem insights to inform future planning.

• 3–5+ years of experience in account management, retail partnerships, or CPG/consumer products sales
• Experience with Book/Toy/Fandom channels, Corporate Promo, and Closeout business is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent work experience
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence multiple levels of an organization
• Ability to manage diverse account types with different needs, calendars, and operating structures
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Must be a self-starter that shows ownership and commitment to the job
• Highly versed in Microsoft Office Suite with specific emphasis in Excel & PowerPoint. Comfortable with…