Key Account Manager I

Advantage Solutions•Little Rock, AR

2d•$55,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Key Account Manager I drives sales growth, distribution, and execution for assigned customer accounts. The role partners with internal teams—including Customer Managers, Order Entry, Claims, Category Management, Schematics, and Retail Services—to achieve client objectives and increase sales volume in assigned markets. The position may support multiple client accounts, including pioneering, regional, and Tier 3 clients, and is responsible for customer relationship management, client engagement, sales execution, and business growth initiatives. The position manages assigned accounts to increase distribution, sales, market share, and other performance indicators while meeting budget guidelines. It supports retail merchandising execution and basic eCommerce initiatives, analyzes sales and performance data, manages promotional and trade funds, develops recommendations and sales presentations, and works with retailer and manufacturer stakeholders to deliver account objectives. Work is performed primarily in an office environment, and travel and driving are essential duties; travel of up to 20% may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required.
Strong sales presentation, negotiation, and business development skills.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of syndicated data and category insights.
Intermediate to advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Conflict resolution, management, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing projects, priorities, and business needs.
Ability to manage multiple duties and projects accurately while meeting deadlines and handling interruptions.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and identify growth opportunities.
Self-motivated, able to work independently, and able to drive results.
Travel and driving are essential duties of the position; travel up to 20% may be required.
Ability to perform office-based work that may involve extended periods of sitting, hearing telephone calls, entering computer data, and lifting up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
1–3 years of experience in sales, account management, consumer packaged goods, retail, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive business growth in assigned accounts by increasing distribution, sales, market share, and other key performance indicators within budget guidelines.
Support retail merchandising execution and basic eCommerce execution.
Achieve sales, income, and expense targets through marketing and promotional strategies.
Analyze sales trends and performance data to identify opportunities and recommend actions to clients and customers.
Manage promotional spending, trade funds, accruals, bill-backs, and period-ending fund balances in accordance with budgets.
Meet or exceed client goals for sales, distribution, market share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities.
Lead retailer headquarters engagement and build relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
Maximize manufacturer marketing and promotional investments while adhering to financial guidelines.
Maintain accurate retail pricing and indirect order guides by identifying and correcting discrepancies.
Secure client-approved schematics and planograms by coordinating with schematic, reset, and retail teams.
Drive incremental sales through new product distribution and management of existing SKU portfolios.
Collaborate with category management to develop retailer presentations using data such as SKU optimization, promotion causal analysis, and lift analysis.
Manage accounts to achieve targeted ACV on innovation.
Develop sales presentations for customers and clients that demonstrate results and opportunities.
Provide strategic input for annual business plans, problem solving, and ongoing customer management; identify win-win outcomes for retailer and client objectives.
Communicate client goals, programs, price changes, and priorities to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
Manage difficult situations, issues, and conflicts to reach effective outcomes.