Strategic Account Manager, Strategic Account Manager Independent Pet Trade

Job Description

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Strategic Account Manager to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award‑winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry.

To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime
, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award‑winning company.

The Strategic Account Manager will develop stronger relationships with current and new key accounts identified by the Director of US Sales. This person is directly responsible for managing sales, ensuring we meet sales targets, coordinating marketing, forecasting, and supporting activities for key accounts. This role will be based in Nashville, TN.

• Direct accountability for managing sales in the U.S. Key Accounts, working with Sales, Marketing, and Customer Care Departments to address key business opportunities
• Responsible for Key account relations, including preparing and delivering relevant reports, operating budgets and sales forecasts, and participating in developing and implementing Sales and Marketing strategy
• Ensure collaboration with sales analytics to identify gaps and opportunities to make and exceed sales targets
• Track and report on Key Account sales forecasts, wholesale sales, trade budgets and marketing activities
• Responsible for ensuring professional and productive business relationships are built and fostered with Key Accounts
• Develop and coach team personnel to ensure Reserved Accounts receive sufficient marketing and planning support
• Creation and implementation of sales strategies and growth plans
• Monitor contractual compliance, including merchandising, pricing, trade spend and trainings
• Stay current with supply and demand, changing trends, economic indicators, and competitors
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Business or a related field; 10 years related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience that indicates an established track record in a Key Account Management Sales role
• Sales team management experience, including hiring, training, and practicing performance management principles is preferred
• Flexibility to travel at least 60 % of the time within the USA and elsewhere if required
• Strong Leadership/Team Player skills and abilities to apply strategic thinking, execute effectively and build strong teams
• Results‑oriented with demonstrated business skills related to goal setting, budgeting, and reporting
• Analytical mindset and ability to translate analytics in actions to drive and exceed sales targets
• Ability to pull and analyze Nielsen performance data. Provide analytics to assess business opportunities and provide ROI results
• Develop and deliver presentations
• Problem solving abilities to manage abstract and/or concrete variables
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe products and Microsoft Outlook
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Extended hours of work, as necessary.

• Drives Results
• Action Oriented
• Manages Complexity

• Customer Market Analysis
• Action Planning
• Knows the Buying Influences

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: $150,000 – $170,000 USD annual salary, annual bonus eligibility, 401k with company matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits:
  Medical, dental, vision and employee assistance programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing
  
  Education:
  
  In‑house &…