National Accounts Manager - UNFI

Smithfield Foods•Remote, MN, MN

6d•$105,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Smithfield Foods is seeking a driven and motivated Sales professional to join their team as a National Accounts Manager. This role involves building relationships with customers, collaborating with internal teams, and achieving business results in a fast-paced environment. The National Accounts Manager will be responsible for introducing and placing new products, executing organizational initiatives, and driving sales on key items with strategic customers for long-term growth. This role requires working directly with customers and cross-functionally with various departments to deliver service and products. The National Accounts Manager is the driving force behind maintaining and expanding national chain accounts, crafting sales programs, securing product placements, and managing broker relationships to ensure flawless execution of sales initiatives in retail or foodservice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years’ relevant experience in retail or foodservice meat trade; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership.
Strong understanding of the dynamics of the food business industry or retail channels.
Demonstrated experience of customer-focused and fact-based selling, including IRI, Neilsen and Perishable Group data.
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
High level of written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, and adaptability.
Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Existing customer contacts with large National chain accounts
Understanding of product cuttings including knowledge of product attributes
Knowledge and experience with SAP

Responsibilities

Drive the strategic direction for national corporate accounts, aligning Smithfield’s goals with customer objectives.
Ensure initiatives are implemented effectively across the organization, fostering long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.
Guide and support a network of sales professionals, including Divisional Directors, Regional Managers, and broker partners.
Create a unified approach that delivers results across processed and fresh pork categories.
Create links between national and divisional sales teams, ensuring consistent messaging and execution with operator and multi-unit businesses.
Expand Smithfield’s presence across critical segments like Healthcare, Education, Hospitality, and Convenience Stores.
Work hand-in-hand with Business Management, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure every aspect of the customer relationship is optimized.
Drive profitability and performance through cross-functional collaboration on pricing, forecasting, innovation, and logistics.
Lead the development of category management strategies that balance branded and distributor portfolios.
Identify optimal product mixes, rationalize SKUs, and launch new items to ensure Smithfield remains competitive.
Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.