Key Account Manager – Retail / CPG

Peskind Executive Search, Florham Park, NJ, United States

Confidential Client – Food Manufacturing & Retail CPG

Search Managed by Peskind Executive Search

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Location

Florham Park, New Jersey (50% Travel)

Key Account Manager – Retail

Overview

Our client is seeking a Key Account Manager to support and grow relationships with major retail and big-box customers across the United States. This role is responsible for managing key retail accounts, supporting new item launches, driving promotional programs, and delivering category growth.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing organization focused on innovation, category expansion, and long-term retail partnerships. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, retail account management experience, and the ability to influence buyers through data-driven insights and product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as primary point of contact for assigned retail and big-box customers
Manage relationships with supermarkets, club stores, mass retailers, and regional chains
Coordinate pricing, new item setup, and promotional submissions with internal teams
Track and manage product samples for category reviews and shelf resets
Provide product knowledge, distribution updates, and promotional information to retail buyers
Partner with brokers and field sales to identify shelf expansion and seasonal opportunities
Support outbound sales initiatives to grow share within existing accounts
Prepare customer presentations, category reviews, and retail sales decks
Develop business cases, planograms, and promotional calendars for retail partners
Analyze sales performance, promotional ROI, and category trends
Track trade spend and promotional budgets to ensure profitability and growth
Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals

Collaboration & Support

Partner with brokers and retail partners to support execution and order fulfillment
Work cross-functionally with category management, marketing, and supply chain teams
Support new product launches, packaging updates, and seasonal programs
Collaborate with internal teams to align on customer strategies and growth initiatives
Participate in retail trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events
Provide timely insights and sales materials to support account growth
Share customer and market insights with marketing, R&D, and supply chain teams

Reporting & Administration

Maintain accurate account records and opportunities within CRM
Track promotional programs, category performance, and account growth
Prepare reports on promotional ROI, trade spend, and account performance
Monitor pricing accuracy and customer-specific commercial agreements
Support trade spend reconciliation and budget tracking
Share retail insights to guide product development and category strategy

Ideal Background

3–5 years of retail account management or CPG sales experience
Experience working with large retail or big-box customers
Understanding of category reviews, resets, and promotional planning
Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
Experience managing multiple retail accounts
Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills

Preferred Experience

Experience working with syndicated retail data (Circana, Nielsen, IRI)
Background in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods
Experience supporting new product launches and category growth initiatives
Familiarity with trade spend and promotional planning
Experience working cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Willingness to travel occasionally for customer meetings and trade shows
Must be authorized to work in the United States