Key Account Manager - Veterinary Channel

Key Account Manager – Vet
Location: Oakbrook, IL (In-Office)
Reports to: Senior Sales Manager
Category Focus: Veterinary Channel


About Inaba Foods (USA) Inc.
Inaba Foods is a manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, toppers, and complements, deeply rooted in a family tradition of excellence that spans generations. Since 1958, pet parents have trusted Inaba to deliver products that are human-grade, nutrient-rich, and designed to bring joy to pets.

Today, Inaba is the most popular brand of premium cat and dog dinners and treats in Japan, with growing distribution throughout the United States and globally. Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. continues to expand its footprint, invest in talent, and build long-term partnerships across the pet industry, supported by the stability and vision of our Japanese parent company.


Position Summary
Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. is seeking a Key Account Manager – Veterinary Channel to strengthen and expand our relationships within the veterinary community - developing partnerships with veterinary distributors, buying groups, and clinic networks to grow Inaba’s presence and performance in this vital channel. This role is responsible for driving growth, expanding distribution, and strengthening long-term partnerships while collaborating closely with internal teams to execute sales strategies.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Oak Brook, IL, as required by company leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for veterinary distributors, corporate veterinary groups, and key clinic networks.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships that drive sales growth and distribution within the veterinary channel.
• Develop and execute sales strategies tailored to the needs of veterinary partners, aligning with company goals and product priorities.
• Review sales data, purchasing trends, and profitability to identify growth opportunities and optimize performance.
• Conduct business reviews and sales presentations with distributor and clinic partners to highlight performance, new products, and marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and product teams to align sales efforts with promotions, inventory, and production planning.
• Negotiate pricing, promotional programs, and terms with key accounts in accordance with company guidelines.
• Monitor market dynamics and competitor activities to provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Execute promotional strategies and educational programs that support sell-through at the clinic level.
• Manage budget and expenses effectively while achieving sales objectives.
• Uphold Inaba’s standards of integrity, professionalism, and customer service in all interactions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of CPG or pet industry sales experience; experience within the veterinary channel or distributor model strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage national or regional accounts and build strong professional partnerships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills (PowerPoint proficiency required).
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with veterinary distributors and understanding the veterinary purchasing model.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Must hold an unrestricted driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel frequently for account visits, trade shows, and events.
• Ability to commute to the office daily.

Why Join Inaba Foods

• Growing U.S. business with expanding distribution and increasing market presence
• Long-term stability and leadership from a well-established Japanese parent company
• Opportunity to manage meaningful accounts and influence growth strategy
• Collaborative, professional environment with a strong brand reputation

Inaba Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws, including California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.