Director, National Accounts - Kroger

Pabst

$125K — $150K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years leading National or Strategic Accounts or 5+ years in retail/CPG sales.
  • Direct experience managing Kroger business preferred.
  • 2+ years of people leadership experience.
  • Strong analytical skills for actionable business strategies.
  • Excellent communication skills for presentations to customers and leaders.
  • Ability to build trust and long-term partnerships across organizations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

  • Shape long-term business strategy for Kroger with SVP of National Accounts.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of National Account Managers and Analysts.
  • Build relationships with Kroger through business reviews and strategic presentations.
  • Partner with Field Sales to enhance execution and discover growth opportunities.
  • Utilize data tools to identify and seize business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Shopper Insights for customer-specific solutions.
  • Manage cross-communication on pricing, product launches, and promotional plans.

Benefits

  • Vehicle reimbursement program for business use of personal vehicle.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Supportive team culture focused on collaboration and performance.
  • Flexible work arrangements with travel opportunities.
Full Job Description
The Role

We're looking for a Director of National Accounts to lead one of our most important customer partnerships: Kroger.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on building relationships, developing teams, and creating long-term business growth. You'll lead a team of National Account Managers and Analysts while partnering across Sales, Marketing, Category Insights, Finance, and Operations to deliver winning strategies for both Pabst and Kroger.

We're looking for someone who's naturally curious, collaborative, analytical, and energized by solving complex business challenges. If you're equally comfortable presenting to executive customers, coaching your team, and diving into data to uncover opportunities, you'll fit right in.
What You'll Do

In this role, you'll help shape how our brands show up with one of our most important retail partners.
  • Own and help shape the long-term business strategy for Kroger alongside our SVP of National Accounts.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of National Account Managers and Analysts, helping them grow into trusted advisors for both our business and our customers.
  • Build strong, lasting relationships with Kroger by leading business reviews, category conversations, planning sessions, and strategic presentations.
  • Partner closely with our Field Sales teams to improve execution, increase distribution, and unlock new growth opportunities.
  • Identify and capitalize on business opportunities using syndicated data and sales tools including IRI, Nielsen, VIP, and Numerator.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Shopper Insights to create compelling category solutions and customer-specific programs.
  • Manage communication across customers, distributors, and internal partners to ensure alignment on pricing, product launches, forecasts, distribution goals, and promotional plans.
  • Monitor marketplace execution and pricing to ensure programs are delivered as intended.
  • Develop annual account plans and budgets while tracking performance against goals throughout the year.
  • Keep account information, communication history, and administrative responsibilities organized and up to date.
  • Represent Pabst professionally in every interaction, including industry events where alcohol may be present.
  • Travel up to 40% to support customers, distributors, and internal meetings.
  • Jump in on additional projects as the business evolves-we're always building what's next.
What You'll Bring
  • 3+ years leading National or Strategic Accounts, or 5+ years of experience in retail or consumer packaged goods sales.
  • Direct experience managing the Kroger business strongly preferred.
  • Previous people leadership experience (2+ years preferred).
  • A passion for developing people and building collaborative, high-performing teams.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable business strategies.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence presenting to both internal leaders and external customers.
  • The ability to build trust and long-term partnerships across functions and organizations.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
  • A growth mindset, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to continuously improve.
  • Beer, beverage alcohol, or three-tier industry experience is a plus, but not required.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
Additional Details

This role is based in Cincinnati, OH, with regular travel (up to 30%) to support the business. To be eligible, you must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation. This role is eligible for our vehicle reimbursement program, providing fair and accurate reimbursement for business use of your personal vehicle.
Think you'd be a great fit? Let's talk.

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