Key Account Manager

Description

Join the Pack at Pet Food Experts!

With a rich history spanning over 80 years, Pet Food Experts has evolved from a small family‑run business into the nation’s leading pet specialty distributor, proudly serving over 10,000 pet retail locations nationwide.

At Pet Food Experts (PFX), we do more than distribute the best pet products—we fuel independent pet retailers with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community. And now, with unprecedented growth and an expanded national footprint, we’re stronger than ever, ready to serve more retailers, support more brands, and make an even bigger impact in the pet industry.

The Key Account Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic sales plans to defend and profitably grow Pet Food Experts business within a set of Key Neighborhood Pet and Ecommerce Accounts. They will build strong customer relationships and collaborate closely with our Customer Experience and Vendor Development teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and customer needs.

• Develop a thorough understanding of Pet Food Experts’ brands & products, market conditions, and retailer strategies to maximize selling efforts.
• Achieve Pet Food Experts territory sales objectives by building sustainable, profitable sales growth through successful execution of Vendor Development category/brand strategies and programs with Key Retailers.
• Formulate and execute business strategies tailored to Key Retailers, leveraging analytical tools to assess market dynamics and pinpoint primary growth avenues.
• Foster robust business alliances with Key Retailers, Vendor Partners, and influential figures within the community to secure market dominance.
• Work collaboratively with peers, and Vendor Partners to develop to cultivate sustainable retailer partnerships and drive sales expansion.
• Foster commitment to Pet Food Experts brands/products to develop Retailer supporters/champions within the territory to deliver territory sales objectives.
• Coordinate data‑driven sales plans utilizing data tools, and collaborate with RSM, Vendor Partners, and peers to ensure successful execution.
• Implement Vendor Development initiatives to stimulate new sales by prioritizing customers, optimizing call routing and planning, adhering to in‑store protocols, and establishing efficient follow‑up processes.
• Maintain meticulous records of contacts and interactions utilizing Hub Spot.
• Enhance expertise in industry trends, brand/product knowledge, and competitive landscape.
• Educate and train customers to increase their knowledge of our brand/product portfolio, emphasizing features and benefits to maximize sales.
• Foster collaboration with Pet Food Experts Sales and Customer Experience teams, facilitating exchange of insights, opportunities, and best practices.
• Promote Retailer and Vendor Partner participation in Pet Food Experts shows and events.

• Strong business acumen, as well as demonstrated sales, negotiation and teamwork experience.
• Operate within a culture of individual accountability to drive company bottom‑line performance.
• Exhibit exceptional planning and organization.
• Demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Effectively engage with diverse levels of management for seamless communication and collaboration.
• Consistently meet deadlines and fulfill responsibilities with precision.
• Adaptability to work autonomously as well as within cohesive team environments.
• Self‑driven with a sense of urgency and personal commitment.
• Aptitude for cultivating and managing significant relationships.
• Proficiency in computer skills, with a preference for Google Suite.

• Clean driving record as verified by MVR (initial and annual review and approval of MVR).
• Meetings and business demands during peak times may require work hours outside of normal working hours, including some weekends.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time including car and air.
• Education Bachelor’s Degree BA or BS preferred.
• Experience Minimum 5 years of B2B sales experience with demonstrated mastery of the job accountabilities. Proven record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales…