What are the responsibilities and job description for the Key Account Manager – Retail / CPG position at Peskind Executive Search?
Key Account Manager – Retail / CPG
Confidential Client – Food Manufacturing & Retail CPG
Search Managed by Peskind Executive Search
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Location
Florham Park, New Jersey (50% Travel)
Key Account Manager – Retail
Overview
Our client is seeking a Key Account Manager to support and grow relationships with major retail and big-box customers across the United States. This role is responsible for managing key retail accounts, supporting new item launches, driving promotional programs, and delivering category growth.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing organization focused on innovation, category expansion, and long-term retail partnerships. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, retail account management experience, and the ability to influence buyers through data-driven insights and product innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as primary point of contact for assigned retail and big-box customers
- Manage relationships with supermarkets, club stores, mass retailers, and regional chains
- Coordinate pricing, new item setup, and promotional submissions with internal teams
- Track and manage product samples for category reviews and shelf resets
- Provide product knowledge, distribution updates, and promotional information to retail buyers
- Partner with brokers and field sales to identify shelf expansion and seasonal opportunities
- Support outbound sales initiatives to grow share within existing accounts
- Prepare customer presentations, category reviews, and retail sales decks
- Develop business cases, planograms, and promotional calendars for retail partners
- Analyze sales performance, promotional ROI, and category trends
- Track trade spend and promotional budgets to ensure profitability and growth
- Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals
Collaboration & Support
- Partner with brokers and retail partners to support execution and order fulfillment
- Work cross-functionally with category management, marketing, and supply chain teams
- Support new product launches, packaging updates, and seasonal programs
- Collaborate with internal teams to align on customer strategies and growth initiatives
- Participate in retail trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events
- Provide timely insights and sales materials to support account growth
- Share customer and market insights with marketing, R&D, and supply chain teams
Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate account records and opportunities within CRM
- Track promotional programs, category performance, and account growth
- Prepare reports on promotional ROI, trade spend, and account performance
- Monitor pricing accuracy and customer-specific commercial agreements
- Support trade spend reconciliation and budget tracking
- Share retail insights to guide product development and category strategy
Ideal Background
- 3–5 years of retail account management or CPG sales experience
- Experience working with large retail or big-box customers
- Understanding of category reviews, resets, and promotional planning
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
- Experience managing multiple retail accounts
- Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills
Preferred Experience
- Experience working with syndicated retail data (Circana, Nielsen, IRI)
- Background in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods
- Experience supporting new product launches and category growth initiatives
- Familiarity with trade spend and promotional planning
- Experience working cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel occasionally for customer meetings and trade shows
- Must be authorized to work in the United States