Key Account / National Account Manager

Location: Louisville, KY (Remote Considered)
Travel: 30–50%
Compensation: Competitive Base Salary Commission Comprehensive Benefits

About the Opportunity

Our Client is looking for a customer-focused, strategic Key Account / National Account Manager to build and enhance relationships with national restaurant chains, retail brands, foodservice operators, and private label clients. This position will focus on increasing revenue, expanding current business, finding new opportunities, and being the main point of contact for key accounts.

Collaborating with senior management and various teams, you will assist in the development of innovative sauces, condiments, and portion-controlled food items from concept to market, all while ensuring top-notch customer service and long-term profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management & Business Development

• Administer and develop a group of national and strategic customer accounts.
• Create and implement yearly business strategies to meet sales and profit targets.
• Establish strong ties with key customer contacts in purchasing, operations, R&D, and executive roles.
• Identify openings for new business, product line extensions, and wider distribution.
• Generate fresh revenue through private label, foodservice, retail, and industrial clients.

Product Development & Commercialization

• Work closely with clients on new product initiatives and innovation projects.
• Coordinate the launch of new products from concept to commercial rollout.
• Work with internal teams to ensure projects stay on track and meet client expectations.
• Support cost efficiencies while upholding product quality and client demands.

Pricing & Contract Management

• Collaborate on pricing strategies and contract negotiations with senior management.
• Handle customer quotes, bids, RFPs, and cost inquiries.
• Work with Finance and Operations to maximize profitability while staying competitive on pricing.
• Monitor profit margins and advise on pricing modifications based on market shifts.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the main conduit between clients and internal departments such as Operations, Supply Chain, QA, R&D, and Customer Service.
• Coordinate production planning and capacity needs for key clients.
• Ensure successful execution of client programs and service commitments.

Forecasting & Customer Support

• Develop customer forecasts and engage in demand planning.
• Track service levels, fill rates, and on-time delivery performance.
• Resolve client issues related to quality, production, or delivery concerns.
• Conduct regular business reviews to strengthen partnerships and identify future opportunities for growth.
• Keep accurate CRM records, sales reports, and account documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (Preferred: MBA).
• 7 years of experience in National Account or Key Account Management.
• Experience in food manufacturing, private label, CPG, or foodservice industries.
• Proven success managing large retail, restaurant, or chain accounts.
• In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing processes, product commercialization, and pricing strategies.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Financial expertise with margin management, pricing, and profitability oversight.
• Solid organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Experience

• Private Label Manufacturing
• Sauces, Dressings, Condiments, or Portion-Control Products
• QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants)
• Casual Dining Chains
• Retail Grocery Accounts
• Foodservice Distribution
• Contract Manufacturing

Why Join Our Client?

Our Client is a growing, privately held food manufacturer dedicated to innovation, quality, and exceptional client relationships. This role offers the chance to drive significant change by working directly with nationally recognized clients and contributing to the development and launch of new products in a collaborative, entrepreneurial setting.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus commission
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunity to work with national brands
• High visibility with executive leadership
• Potential for career advancement within a rapidly growing food manufacturing company

Recruiter Notes

Ideal Backgrounds

• National Account Manager
• Key Account Manager
• Strategic Account Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Foodservice Sales Manager
• Private Label Sales Manager
• CPG Sales Manager

Target Industries

• Food Manufacturing
• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
• Private Label Manufacturing
• Sauces & Condiments
• Ingredients
• Bakery
• Beverage
• Dairy
• Frozen Foods
• Meat Processing
• Foodservice Manufacturing