Associate Account Manager

Location: Mankato, MN area (Hybrid with weekly regional travel throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota).
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Base salary around $58,000 with opportunity to earn additional variable compensation related to sales goals
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, company-issued vehicle, and much more!

About Us:

At Nelson-Jameson, we've been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth-for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow.

If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we'd love to have you join us!

Job Summary:

The Associate Account Manager role is a hands-on, developmental opportunity for early-career or pivoting professionals eager to grow into account or territory management. In this field-based role, you'll support and help expand customer programs by ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, engaging with plant personnel on-site, and learning the full lifecycle of account management-from inventory execution to identifying new business opportunities.

You'll partner with Strategic Account Managers (SAMs), Inventory Solutions team members, and product teams to respond to customer needs, prepare purposeful visits, and contribute to strategic growth.

We're looking for someone who is curious, service-minded, and adaptable-comfortable in food and dairy manufacturing environments, confident working independently, and motivated to learn. A background in inventory, customer service, or operations is helpful, and an interest in building a career with customers at the center is key. Regional travel makes up about 75% of your week, with 1-2 overnight stays on average and occasional national travel for team meetings or industry events.

A company-issued vehicle is provided, and a valid driver's license, insurable driving record, and ability to fly domestically are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support customer sites through on-site service, including inventory support, product labeling, and order coordination.
• Perform Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) tasks such as usage tracking, scanning, reporting, and maintaining accurate stock levels.
• Build strong customer relationships by serving as a reliable, in-person contact and responding promptly to needs or inquiries.
• Assist in the execution of strategic growth plans by preparing purposeful visits, identifying opportunities, and profiling accounts.
• Document interactions in the CRM and coordinate internally to ensure timely and complete program fulfillment.
• Shadow Account Managers to learn account lifecycle management and support expansion efforts across assigned accounts.
• Travel regionally (approximately 75%), primarily via day trips with 1-2 overnight stays per week; attend occasional trade shows or internal events.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You'll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you'll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, you'll receive:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs.
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation:
  Base salary around $58,000+ with opportunity to earn additional variable compensation related to sales goals
• Established territory
• Paid…