Job Overview:
The Key Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of strategic retail grocery accounts. This role acts as the primary point of contact between head office customers and internal teams, ensuring strong relationships, disciplined execution, and consistent alignment across sales, operations and finance.
The successful candidate will combine relationship management, commercial awareness, and operational follow-through to protect existing business, expand listings and identify new growth opportunities.
Individual Responsibilities:
Account & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key head office and banner-level contacts.
- Represent the company professionally at customer meetings, events, trade shows, and occasional after-hours functions.
- Act as the escalation point for account-related issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
Account Execution & Coordination
- Manage the administrative requirements of key accounts, including feature notifications, ad planning, forecasting and follow-ups.
- Coordinate closely with Operations, Finance, and other internal departments to ensure accounts are serviced accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure internal teams are aligned on customer expectations, current features, changes, and account-specific requirements
Sales Growth & Opportunity Development
- Drive new listings, distribution gains and incremental opportunities within assigned accounts.
- Conduct store checks and market visits to validate execution, identify gaps, and surface new opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with vendors and business partners to develop programs and initiatives that support mutual growth.
Financial Oversight & Compliance
- Monitor rebates, accruals, chargebacks, fines, penalties, and similar account-related financial activities.
- Partner with Finance to ensure accuracy, visibility, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
Core Competencies:
· Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key retail and foodservice accounts
· Manage strategic customer portfolios with a focus on retention, growth and profitability
· Develop and execute account plans aligned with customer goals and company objectives
· Identify growth opportunities through product expansion, promotions, and new listings
· Act as a primary point of contact for key customers, ensuring high levels of service and satisfaction
· Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, logistics, customer service and leadership teams
· Effectively negotiate programs and terms while protecting company margins
· Analyze sales data, forecasts, and market trends to drive informed decision making
· Demonstrate strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
· Manage multiple accounts and priorities in a fast paced, perishable goods environment
· Maintain a high level of product knowledge and understanding of the food distribution industry
· Adapt to changing customer needs, market conditions, and operational challenges
Qualifications and Experience:
· 3-7 years of experience in key account management, sales, or business development
· Experience working with major retail grocery and/or food service customers
· Background in food, seafood, protein, CPG, or perishable goods distribution preferred
· Proven track record of managing and growing strategic customer accounts
· Strong understanding of pricing, margins, rebates, and promotional programs
· Experience negotiating contracts, pricing, and long-term customer agreements
· Ability to analyze sales data, forecasts, and market trends to support account strategy
· Proficient with CRM systems, Microsoft excel, and sales reporting tools
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Strong organizational skills
· Valid drivers license and reliable vehicle
· Ability to travel within an assigned territory
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $75,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
