What are the responsibilities and job description for the National Account Manager - Foodservice, AFH position at Heartland FPG?
National Account Manager – Foodservice, AFH (East/West)
Location: Remote – Within driving distance of a major U.S. airport
Reports To: Director of Sales, National Accounts Away‑From-Home
About Heartland
We’re a global CPG powerhouse behind iconic, better-for-you brands like Splenda®, Splenda® Stevia, and Java House®, built on three pillars: Fast. Flexible. Innovative. We help people live happier, healthier lives by reducing sugar—across retail, foodservice, and QSR channels. Our vertically-integrated approach—from ideation through manufacturing, distribution, and marketing—means if you can dream it, we can do it.
Role Overview
Deliver disruptive growth for Heartland’s health-forward sweeteners and beverages within national and regional QSRs and on-premise chains such as Taco Bell, Starbucks, Chipotle, Jamba Juice, and beyond. You’ll own end-to-end strategy and execution from securing menu placements and rolling out innovative products to negotiating national contracts and activating joint business plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Domination & Growth
- Strategize and drive distribution across Technomic Top 200. Own a portfolio of key accounts, focusing on system-wide placements, LTOs, and conversions.
- Menu Innovation & Product Launches
- Collaborate with culinary, R&D, procurement, and marketing to pilot new formats—liquid sweeteners, cold brews, plant-based beverages, specialty syrups, etc.
- Joint Business Planning & HQ Leadership
- Build executive-level relationships; lead joint planning, overcome obstacles, and negotiate long-term contracts and pricing.
- Cross-Functional Activation
- Work closely with Sales Operations, Logistics, Finance, Category Insights, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Broker/Distributor teams (DSD & Broadline) to ensure flawless execution.
- Insight-Driven Selling
- Turn syndicated data, consumer insights, and internal analytics into powerful sales narratives and strategic recommendations.
- Trade & Budget Management
- Own trade budgets, promotional strategies, and ROI. Evaluate opportunities, prioritize profitable volume, and walk away from the rest.
- Leadership & Personal Drive
- Mentor or lead sales professionals (preferred), travel up to 50% across the assigned region (plus occasional national travel), and stay hands-on—challenging the status quo daily.
Must‑Have Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, Sales or a related field (MBA is a plus)
- 5 years in national account management or sales within Foodservice, or CPG—calling on Technomic Top 200 and QSR chains
- Deep knowledge of QSR franchise systems, menu planning, and procurement
- Proven record in negotiation, presentation, and closing deals—especially in branded product integration
- Strong analytical, financial, and CRM software skills (Salesforce preferred)
- Comfortable in fast-paced, matrixed environments—self-starter, resourceful, creative, and execution-focused
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary annual bonus
- Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA) 401(k) match
- Vehicle reimbursement or car allowance
- Career growth within a high-velocity, innovative company
- A seat at the table driving game-changing brands in Foodservice
- The chance to innovate and lead within a vertically integrated, sustainability-minded powerhouse
Why Join Us?
Heartland isn’t just another CPG company—we’re fast, flexible and innovative. From developing Stevia farms in Florida to inventing recyclable packaging, we’re redefining better-for-you sweeteners and beverages across channels. If you’re a bold, strategic sales leader who thrives on innovation and impact, this is your playground.