What are the responsibilities and job description for the Key Account Manager – Kroger position at Heartland Food Products Group?
Key Account Manager – Kroger
Heartland Food Products Group | Cincinnati, OH
We are seeking a Key Account Manager (KAM) to support and help lead our Kroger business. This role will report directly to the National Account Manager – Kroger & Harris Teeter and play a critical role in day-to-day account management, execution, and analytical support across Heartland’s brand portfolio.
This position is based in Cincinnati, OH.
What You’ll Do
Support Kroger Customer Leadership
- Partner closely with the National Account Manager to execute Kroger strategy and Joint Business Plans
- Serve as a key day-to-day contact for Kroger merchandising and support teams, as appropriate
- Prepare customer-facing materials for line reviews, innovation presentations, and business updates
Drive Execution & Commercial Performance
- Support delivery of volume, trade spend, and profitability targets
- Manage promotional planning, deal execution, and item maintenance in Kroger systems
- Track promotional performance and identify opportunities to improve effectiveness
Analytics, Forecasting & Insights
- Maintain forecasts, demand planning inputs, and customer scorecards
- Analyze syndicated data (Circana/IRI, Nielsen) and Kroger-specific reporting to identify risks and opportunities
- Translate data into clear insights and recommendations for the NAM and broader team
Merchandising & In-Market Excellence
- Partner with Kroger merchandising teams to support shelf execution, display compliance, and item launches
- Track distribution, pricing, and promotional compliance across Heartland’s portfolio
- Support innovation launches and post-launch performance tracking
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing, category management, supply chain, finance, and customer service teams
- Help ensure internal alignment to customer needs and timelines
- Act as a strong internal advocate for Kroger priorities
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 3–6 years of CPG sales, account management, or customer-facing experience
- Experience supporting or calling on Kroger strongly preferred
- Strong analytical skills and comfort working with syndicated and customer data
- Solid understanding of grocery retail fundamentals and trade execution
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Experience
- Experience in branded food or beverage categories
- Exposure to trade promotion management systems and forecasting tools
- Experience working in a fast-paced, matrixed organization
Key Competencies
- Results-oriented with a strong execution mindset
- Collaborative team player who partners well cross-functionally
- Analytical thinker who turns data into action
- Clear communicator with strong presentation skills
- Curious, proactive, and eager to grow