Key Account Manager I (Confectionary & Convenience Channel) Job Locations US-MN-Minneapolis | US-SD-Sioux Falls | US-ND-Fargo Primary Posting Location : City Minneapolis Primary Posting Location : State/Province MN Primary Posting Location : Postal Code 55401 Primary Posting Location : Country US Requisition ID 2025-437785 Position Type Full Time Category Client Services/Account Management Minimum USD $65,000.00/Yr. Maximum USD $80,000.00/Yr. Summary Job Description: This position serves as a key HQ Sales partner dedicated to supporting a single manufacturer within the confectionary and convenience channel. The role works cross-functionally with internal teams-including Category Management, Customer Marketing, Retail Operations, Financial Services, and Customer Service-to drive distribution, enhance retail execution, and increase sales volume across assigned markets. The incumbent is dedicated exclusively to one client and is responsible for supporting that client's strategic goals by calling on close to 20 retail accounts, leading collaborative customer engagement, maintaining proactive communication, and delivering effective implementation programs. Success in this role requires an entrepreneurial spirit, strong time-management capabilities, and exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and opportunities simultaneously. In addition to HQ responsibilities, this position requires regular in-market store visits to assess execution, identify growth opportunities, and strengthen retailer relationships. The associate will also conduct HQ customer presentations and complete essential administrative responsibilities such as sales forecasting, planogram development, reporting, and documentation to support client initiatives. This role ensures all client initiatives are executed seamlessly at both the customer and retail levels while building and maintaining strong relationships to maximize sales growth and strengthen brand presence across the marketplace they own. ---- Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), retail, sales, or account management; confectionary or convenience channel experience a plus. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple retail accounts and maintain strong customer relationships. Proven record of driving sales results, growing distribution, or supporting successful retail programs. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, forecasts, and sales reports. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to travel regularly within the market to conduct store visits, meetings, and customer presentations. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. ----- Core Competencies Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively identifies opportunities, takes initiative, and approaches the role with a business-owner mindset. Time Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks, deadlines, and customer needs across 10+ retail accounts and HQ deliverables. Organization: Maintains accurate documentation, manages administrative tasks (forecasts, planograms, reports), and ensures timely follow-up. Relationship Building: Establishes trust and credibility with retail partners, internal teams, and the client. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver professional HQ presentations. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works seamlessly with Category Management, Customer Marketing, Retail Operations, Financial Services, Customer Service, and others. Sales & Execution Focus: Drives distribution, identifies execution gaps, and implements solutions that maximize sales growth. Problem Solving: Quickly assesses challenges in-market or at the customer level and develops practical, effective solutions. Adaptability: Comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and multipleinitiatives. ---- Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary HQ Sales representative for a dedicated confectionary/convenience channel manufacturer. Call on 10+ retail accounts to support distribution expansion, product placement, and promotional execution. Conduct regular in-market store visits to assess planogram compliance, identify execution gaps, and uncover new sales opportunities. Lead and deliver professional HQ presentations to key customer stakeholders. Collaborate closely with internal teams-including Category Management, Customer Marketing, Retail Operations, Financial Services, and Customer Service-to support client initiatives. Manage administrative responsibilities including sales forecasts, reporting, planogram development, and program tracking. Maintain strong communication with both the client and retailer partners to ensure alignment on initiatives and execution. Identify and propose growth opportunities that support the client's strategic objectives. Monitor competitive activity, trends, and opportunities within the confectionary and convenience space. Ensure seamless implementation of all client programs at customer and retail levels. Responsibilities The Company is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities o Drive our clients' business at assigned customer. Increase distribution, grow sales dollars/units/share/other KPI's, while staying within budget guidelines o Responsible for ensuring retail/merchandising execution and basic eCommerce execution o Achieves targeted income and expense budgets by implementing promotional and marketing strategies o Analyzes trends and results to identify growth opportunities and makes recommendations to clients and customers o Monitors and drives growth through efficient management of promotional spending within guidelines on assigned clients o Meets budgetary goals by maintaining strict control and accounting of accrual and bill-back funds for assigned clients o Meets expectation for managing period ending fund balance performance with no overspends vs. trade budget.o Meets or exceeds Client's goals for sales, distribution, share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume o Launches strategies to pursue new opportunities Implements retailer headquarter calls and penetrate key positions at the retailer to: o Achieve sales goals by managing and maximizing manufacturer marketing and promotional funds while staying within financial guidelines o... For full info follow application link. Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC dba Advantage Solutions ("Advantage Solutions") is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, Advantage Solutions shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law. Should you believe you need an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact Advantage Solutions Workplace Accommodation s Dept. at 949-214-2525 or workplaceaccommodations@advantagesolutions.net.
