Key Account Manager

Key Account Manager I Summary

Key Account Manager I works closely with internal Advantage Solutions associates such as Customer Managers and order entry, claims, category management, schematics and retail associates to increase sales volume within a market. This incumbent may be dedicated to servicing multiple clients' goals, while also encompassing customer and client relations and implementation. Clients include Pioneering clients (manufacturers that do not currently have distribution in the customers the associate is responsible for), Regional clients (manufacturers not represented through a National contract but rather retain the services on a regional, market, or customer specific basis), or Tier 3 clients (manufacturers with minimal volume, sku counts, and commission revenue).

The Company is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

• Drive clients' business at assigned customer: increase distribution, grow sales dollars/units/share/other KPI's while staying within budget guidelines.
• Ensure retail/merchandising execution and basic eCommerce execution.
• Achieve targeted income and expense budgets by implementing promotional and marketing strategies.
• Analyze trends and results to identify growth opportunities and make recommendations to clients and customers.
• Monitor and drive growth through efficient management of promotional spending within guidelines on assigned clients.
• Meet budgetary goals by maintaining strict control and accounting of accrual and bill‑back funds for assigned clients.
• Maintain period‑ending fund balance performance with no overspends vs. trade budget.
• Meet or exceed clients' goals for sales, distribution, share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume.
• Launch strategies to pursue new opportunities.
• Implement retailer headquarters calls and penetrate key positions at the retailer to achieve sales goals, manage marketing and promotional funds within financial guidelines, ensure correct pricing and order guides, secure approved schematics, and advance incremental sales through new product distribution and existing SKU maintenance.
• Collaborate with category management team to develop retailer presentations using database rationale such as SKU optimization, promotion causal data, and lift analysis.
• Manage accounts to achieve the targeted ACV on Innovation and maintain effective client and retailer relationships to ensure customer access and client perspective that the company is connected and engaged with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sales accomplishments and areas of opportunity by developing sales presentations for customers and clients.
• Offer strategic input pursuant to annual business plans, problem‑solving, and ongoing customer management, driving win‑win scenarios.
• Provide timely communication on client goals, programs, price changes, and priorities to all necessary people and information.
• Manage difficult situations, issues and conflicts to reach effective outcomes.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience (required). Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  1‑3 years of experience in applicable field.
• Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Strong sales presentation and development skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of syndicated data.
  • Intermediate or advanced computer skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Conflict management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide cross‑functional leadership.
  • Well‑organized, detail‑oriented, and able to handle a fast‑paced work environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust according to changes in projects or business environment.
  • Ability to complete multiple duties with accuracy while shifting from one to another amid frequent interruptions and competing deadlines.

• Travel and driving are essential duties; travel up to 20 %.
• Job will remain open until filled.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by law.