Strategic Account Manager

Original Template•Sacramento, CA

1d•$110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Nelson-Jameson has been a trusted partner to the food and dairy industries for over 80 years. We are seeking a Strategic Account Manager to serve customers regionally across northern California. This established territory comes with a strong customer base, and we are looking for someone ready to foster those relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure customers experience the very best of Nelson-Jameson. As part of a dedicated Account Team, you will partner closely with our Inside and Technical Sales teams, suppliers, VMI teams, and logistics teams. With a company-issued vehicle, you will travel throughout your territory — about 75% day travel (home nightly) and 25% overnight travel (typically 4-5 nights per month) — to visit customers, represent our extensive catalog of products and solutions, and provide the knowledgeable, resourceful service that sets Nelson-Jameson apart. This role requires a high degree of independence and initiative - a self-starter who thrives on managing their own schedule, building strong customer relationships, and communicating clearly and effectively across all levels of the business.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
2+ years of B2B outside sales or food manufacturing.
Strong account development and territory farming skills.
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
Independent, self-starter mindset with the ability to manage a territory and schedule effectively.
Proficiency with ERP, CRM, Microsoft Office, and basic computer skills.
Passion for timely and attentive customer service.
Ability to travel 75% of the time, primarily for daily regional visits across northern CA and Nevada (home nightly), with approximately 25% overnight travel (about 4-5 nights per month) and occasional trips to other regions of the U.S.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience with distributors or manufacturers selling into industrial food/sanitary manufacturing facilities.
Familiarity with the food and dairy manufacturing industries, including an understanding of their processes, challenges, and regulatory requirements.
Production experience in food or sanitary manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with industrial product lines.

Responsibilities

Oversee an established territory with a strong customer base, meeting or exceeding company benchmarks for gross margin growth while safeguarding and expanding existing business.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts at assigned accounts through regular on-site visits across western and northwestern Wisconsin in a company-issued vehicle.
Proactively identify and target high-potential new customers, developing relationships that broaden Nelson-Jameson’s presence in the region.
Represent Nelson-Jameson’s extensive catalog of products and solutions — spanning sanitation, laboratory, processing, safety, ingredients, and packaging — ensuring customers have access to the right resources for their operations.
Partner with Technical Sales Specialists to bring subject matter expertise into customer conversations and provide value-added solutions.
Uphold Nelson-Jameson’s standard that Above and Beyond is where we start by delivering the exceptional in every customer interaction.
Use strong communication skills to clearly share information, adapt to different audiences, and foster trust with both customers and internal teams.
Demonstrate self-starter initiative and independence in managing territory, scheduling, and customer priorities with minimal oversight.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
401(k) with company match
Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus variable compensation with total earning potential of $110,000+
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
Established sales territory
Company-issued vehicle (available for both business and personal use)
Autonomy & freedom to manage your own schedule