Account Manager - Foodservice/Produce

The Account Manager works in close partnership with the Account Executive and the Corporate Client team, supporting the Custom Distribution Team’s strategic and operational goals. This role serves as a foundational step in developing the skills and experience required for full account ownership. The Account Manager is responsible for supporting the daily, weekly, and quarterly management of client accounts while learning the full scope of account operations. Through collaboration with senior account management, this role offers hands-on experience in client engagement, problem-solving, and cross-functional coordination. This position is designed for growth and will prepare the Account Manager to take on increasing levels of responsibility, with a clear pathway toward leading accounts independently.

We are focused on performance, not presence. What matters is not that you are sitting in front of your computer from 9am to 5pm, but rather that you build highly effective and efficient software within agreed timelines. In practice, this might mean working extra hours some days to hit that while having other days that allow for more free time and recovery. Our goal is for Buyers Edge Platform to be a place where people are able to work in a way that is the most efficient and effective for them. This will enable us all to enjoy the solutions we build and the team we are on.

The ideal candidate will work from our Chicago, IL office with anticipated travel up to 25%. We are unable to offer work sponsorship for this role.

Who we are:

Produce Alliance specializes in delivery of fresh produce to restaurants and other foodservice operators at higher quality and better prices. We provide produce category management services including procurement, national distribution, information services and food safety assurance to foodservice clients across North America. With a specialized focus on fast food (QSR), non-traditional, c-store, fast casual, GPO, and healthcare segments, they're redefining fresh produce sourcing. Produce Alliance manages partnerships with over 150 independently owned specialty distributors and collaborate with over 100 premium grower shippers. As a Buyers Edge Platform brand, we are committed to providing fresh category management services to our clients with unprecedented service, superior access to high-quality fresh produce, commodity expertise and strategic supply chain solutions.

Your impact:

Client Portfolio Management

• Independently manage a portfolio of Custom Distribution clients across the QSR, Airlines, and Fast Casual segments.
• Serve as the central point of contact for all corporate client inquiries at the end-user level.
• Act as the primary day-to-day owner of assigned accounts.

Strategic Account Execution

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to meet sales targets, support growth, and drive operational efficiency.
• Deliver insights and communication that align supply chain execution with client objectives.
• Provide strategic feedback to category leads and the supply chain team based on ongoing account interaction and market observations.

Client Communication & Support

• Conduct regular (typically weekly) client and distributor calls to:
• Resolve issues and manage action items
• Communicate pricing updates and resolve discrepancies
• Provide distribution and logistics support
• Escalate and inform on market conditions and trends

Implementation & Renewal Management

• Oversee key account implementation and renewal tasks, including:
• New account, market, and item rollouts
• Limited Time Offer (LTO) launches
• Establishing and managing rollout timelines with internal and external stakeholders

Category & Market Insight

• Continuously research and apply industry-specific trends and insights to enhance category strategy and expand service offerings.

Collaboration & Forecasting

• Collaborate with the Account Executive and Director of Client Relations to forecast sales volumes and plan account growth.
• Deliver quarterly account update reports to the broader Custom Distribution team, including the Supply Chain Manager and Director of Client Relations.

Cross-Functional Engagement

• Maintain close, daily communication with internal partners including:
• Business Development
• Supply Chain Management
• Senior Supply Chain Analysts
• Pricing & Food Safety Teams

Client Experience & Review

• Support facilitation of client business reviews, site visits, product testing, and attendance at client conferences.

Cross-Training & Development

• Become cross-trained in core Custom Distribution supply chain functions to better support account needs and ensure continuity.

About you:

• 2-3 years of sales or account management experience in the produce industry
• Experience developing business relationships with owners, decision makers and champions as a supplier, vendor, or partner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organization skills including the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Availability to handle client needs on an as needed basis outside normal business hours
• Proficient with Salesforce, Tableau, Microsoft Office Tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Not sure you meet every qualification? Studies show that diverse applicants often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Buyers Edge Platform, we value authenticity and inclusion—if you're excited about the role, we encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for!

What's in this for you:

• Great benefits from day one. We offer medical, dental, vision, FSA, company-paid life insurance, and more—plus a 401(k) with company match.
• Grow with us. Enjoy strong training, development, and competitive pay.
• Work-life balance. Our flexible PTO policy lets you take time when you need it—no accrual required.