Associate Account Manager

Original Template•Mankato, MN

3d•$58,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: Previous experience in sales, customer service, inventory, food or dairy manufacturing, or related field (this may include internships, part-time roles, or volunteer experience)
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a passion for providing timely, attentive, and solution-oriented customer service.
Independent, self-starter mindset with the ability to manage a territory and schedule effectively.
Willingness to work in varying plant environments requiring applicable PPE to be worn.
Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Office products, along with willingness and ability to learn new software such as CRM and ERP systems.
Travel: Ability to travel approximately 75% of the time, primarily for regional visits across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota, with an average of 1–2 overnight stays per week (up to 3 during busier periods) and occasional travel to other regions of the U.S. for internal meetings, trade shows, or industry events.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an insurable driving record, and the ability to meet documentation requirements for domestic air travel.

Nice To Haves

Education: Secondary education in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Years of experience: 1+ year(s) professional experience in customer service or sales-related positions.
Familiarity with vendor-managed inventory and inventory management software, as well as related experience, is helpful.
Familiarity with distribution or related business models or industries.
Familiarity with the dairy, food, beverage, or related industries, OR production experience working in industrial food or other sanitary manufacturing facilities.
Sales experience, especially in industrial food or other sanitary manufacturing facilities.
Familiarity with CRM or ERP software.

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.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits
Company-matched 401(k)
Paid time off
Competitive compensation
Company-issued vehicle
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 time off at time of hire
Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
Company provided cell phone, credit card, and vehicle
And much more !