Key Account Manager ; Confectionary & Convenience Channel

Key Account Manager I (Confectionary & Convenience Channel)

Job Location s: US-MN-Minneapolis | US-SD-Sioux Falls | US-ND-Fargo

Salary: USD $65,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year

Job Description:

This position serves as a key HQ Sales partner dedicated to supporting a single manufacturer within the confectionary and convenience channel. The role works cross‑functionally with internal teams—including Category Management, Customer Marketing, Retail Operations, Financial Services, and Customer Service—to drive distribution, enhance retail execution, and increase sales volume across assigned markets.

The incumbent is dedicated exclusively to one client and is responsible for supporting that client’s strategic goals by calling on close to 20 retail accounts, leading collaborative customer engagement, maintaining proactive communication, and delivering effective implementation programs. Success in this role requires an entrepreneurial spirit, strong time‑management capabilities, and exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and opportunities simultaneously.

In addition to HQ responsibilities, this position requires regular in‑market store visits to assess execution, identify growth opportunities, and strengthen retailer relationships. The associate will also conduct HQ customer presentations and complete essential administrative responsibilities such as sales forecasting, planogram development, reporting, and documentation to support client initiatives.

This role ensures all client initiatives are executed seamlessly at both the customer and retail levels while building and maintaining strong relationships to maximize sales growth and strengthen brand presence across the marketplace they own.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 2‑4 years of experience in consumer‑packaged goods (CPG), retail, sales, or account management; confectionary or convenience channel experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple retail accounts and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Proven record of driving sales results, growing distribution, or supporting successful retail programs.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, forecasts, and sales reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to travel regularly within the market to conduct store visits, meetings, and customer presentations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Core Competencies:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively identifies opportunities, takes initiative, and approaches the role with a business‑owner mindset.
• Time Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks, deadlines, and customer needs across 10+ retail accounts and HQ deliverables.
• Organization: Maintains accurate documentation, manages administrative tasks (forecasts, planograms, reports), and ensures timely follow‑up.
• Relationship Building: Establishes trust and credibility with retail partners, internal teams, and the client.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver professional HQ presentations.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works seamlessly with Category Management, Customer Marketing, Retail Operations, Financial Services, Customer Service, and others.
• Sales & Execution Focus: Drives distribution, identifies execution gaps, and implements solutions that maximize sales growth.
• Problem Solving: Quickly assesses challenges in‑market or at the customer level and develops practical, effective solutions.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities and multiple initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary HQ Sales representative for a dedicated confectionary/convenience channel manufacturer.
• Call on 10+ retail accounts to support distribution expansion, product placement, and promotional execution.
• Conduct regular in‑market store visits to assess planogram compliance, identify execution gaps, and uncover new sales opportunities.
• Lead and deliver professional HQ presentations to key customer stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with…