Strategic Account Manager
About The Position
Nelson-Jameson is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to serve customers regionally across northern California. This established territory comes with a strong customer base, and we’re 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’ll partner closely with our Inside and Technical Sales teams, suppliers, VMI teams, and logistics teams. With a company-issued vehicle, you’ll 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
- Manage Accounts & Growth: Oversee an established territory with a strong customer base, meeting or exceeding company benchmarks for gross margin growth while safeguarding and expanding existing business.
- Customer Engagement: 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.
- Expand Market Share: Proactively identify and target high-potential new customers, developing relationships that broaden Nelson-Jameson’s presence in the region.
- Promote NJ Catalog: 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.
- Collaborate with Specialists: Partner with Technical Sales Specialists to bring subject matter expertise into customer conversations and provide value-added solutions.
- Deliver Exceptional Service: Uphold Nelson-Jameson’s standard that Above and Beyond is where we start by delivering the exceptional in every customer interaction.
- Communicate Effectively: Use strong communication skills to clearly share information, adapt to different audiences, and foster trust with both customers and internal teams.
- Work Independently: 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
