Key Account Manager

Garage Beer • Chicago, IL

2d • Remote

About The Position

Garage Beer is seeking a Key Account Manager to lead and grow the brand's presence within national and key retail chain accounts across an assigned region. The ideal candidate will excel at building strong relationships with buyers, influencing decisions, and translating customer priorities into strategic, actionable plans. This role involves navigating complex account structures, utilizing data to drive conversations, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure best-in-class execution. The position requires balancing strategic planning with hands-on follow-through to ensure commitments are met and the brand succeeds in high-visibility retail environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 4+ years in retail sales, key accounts, or account management within CPG or beverage/alcohol.
• Proven ability to manage key accounts, build strong customer relationships, and support sales growth.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills that influence decisions and drive execution.
• Ability to analyze sales trends, interpret data, and identify growth opportunities.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory, with occasional travel for meetings and company events.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the beer or alcohol category, understanding distributor and chain programming.
• Proficiency in using Nielsen, IRI, VIP, Karma, or similar retail data tools.
• Track record of expanding distribution and winning with national or key chain accounts.
• Ability to thrive in fast-moving environments, spot trends, and turn ambiguity into clear, actionable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer business plans across multiple geographies to achieve volume, profit, and market share goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners, buying offices, and internal stakeholders.
• Leverage customer, sales, and market insights to guide strategic account planning and identify high-impact growth opportunities.
• Lead strategy implementation across assigned retailers and channels to ensure alignment and strong execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales leadership, marketing, operations, and distributor partners to ensure alignment on priorities and seamless execution.
• Conduct regular in-market visits to evaluate performance, monitor execution, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Base salary range of $125,000 - $140,000 annually with the potential for a performance-based incentive.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability premiums paid at 100% by Garage Beer.
• Voluntary benefits and an EAP.
• Flexible Time Off: Flexible PTO policy in addition to company-observed holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level