What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Chain Accounts position at Affinity Group?
Vice President of Chain Accounts- Affinity Group
The Vice President, Chain Accounts is responsible for developing and executing Affinity Group’s go-to-market strategy for chain accounts. This leader will serve as the primary liaison with top-tier national and regional multi-unit chain customers, ensuring alignment with client expectations and delivering measurable growth in sales and profitability.
In collaboration with regional internal teams, this position will oversee the strategic planning and execution of national chain account initiatives, support client success, and be a visible advocate for the national chain business across the organization.
The ideal candidate will bring 10 years of experience in National or Chain Account sales, including a minimum of 7 years in a leadership role, and a proven track record managing strategic relationships with top 300 Technomic commercial chains.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with the chain accounts' objectives and Affinity Group’s broader goals.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with national chain accounts and key decision-makers.
- Work directly with Britz Food Group (the national account team) to shape and deliver the annual national chain account business plan.
- Client and Customer (Operator) Collaboration
- Serve as a trusted advisor to key clients and national chain customers (operators).
- Ensure that the chain accounts' go-to-market strategy is executed consistently and effectively across regions.
- Cross-Functional and Regional Influence
- Work closely with Client Managers, Regional Leaders, and Segment VPs (Region Chain Leads?) to integrate national chain account strategy into field-level execution.
- Coach, develop, and hold team members accountable to deliver performance and execution excellence.
- Serve as the internal champion and point of escalation for all national chain account-related matters.
- Partner with Learning & Development to design, implement, and deliver training and development programs that strengthen the capabilities of regional chain leaders, with a focus on building the specialized skill sets required to succeed in the chain account segment.
- Business Intelligence & Market Awareness
- Leverage data and insights from CRM, business intelligence, and market trends to inform strategy, targeting, and performance reviews.
- Maintain deep knowledge of the competitive landscape, client positioning, and foodservice trends, particularly within the Technomic top 300 chains.
- Operational Oversight & Results Orientation
- Set measurable objectives for chain account growth and lead execution to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
- Monitor team performance, review activity reports, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Participate in industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings to promote visibility and maintain relationships.
Qualifications & Skills:
- 10 years of experience in National/Chain Account foodservice sales; 7 years in a leadership capacity
- Direct experience managing or selling into the top 300 Technomic commercial chains
- Demonstrated success in building and executing chain account sales strategies
- Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities
- Results-oriented with a proactive, hands-on leadership style
- Proven ability to influence across regions, functions, and organizational levels
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills
- Track record of coaching and developing teams, fostering accountability, and driving performance
The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
