The Key Account Manager (KAM) for Axalta Retail is responsible for managing and growing strategic relationships with national and regional retail partners. This role serves as the primary point of contact between Axalta and the customer, driving alignment across commercial strategy, supply chain, marketing, and product initiatives.
The KAM is accountable for delivering revenue growth, strengthening category position, and ensuring operational excellence across the retail business. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional leadership, disciplined execution, and the ability to build long-term, value-driven partnerships.
Key ResponsibilitiesRelationship Management & AlignmentBuild and maintain strong relationships both externally with retail partners and internally across Axalta's cross-functional teams.
- Establish multi-level relationships across customer organizations (commercial, operational, and leadership)
- Partner closely with internal teams, including Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Product, and Finance
- Serve as the central point of coordination for all account-related activity
- Lead regular alignment meetings to ensure clear communication of priorities, risks, and opportunities
Retail Growth & Category DevelopmentDrive growth through disciplined retail execution and category-focused strategies.
- Lead assortment planning, line reviews, and assortment optimization to expand category presence
- Identify and execute incremental opportunities, including new item placement and distribution gains
- Drive off-shelf opportunities (end caps, displays, seasonal programs, tests, etc.)
- Ensure strong execution of planogram resets and merchandising standards
- Develop and execute promotional plans aligned with retailer strategies and financial targets
- Support both new business growth and retention of existing business
Joint Business ExecutionOperate as a strategic partner to the customer, aligning plans and delivering results collaboratively.
- Develop and execute joint business plans that align with customer and company objectives
- Coordinate cross-functional execution of product launches, promotions, and key initiatives
- Ensure readiness across supply chain, inventory, and pricing to support retail execution
- Contribute to the customer's broader category strategy and long-term growth plans
Performance & Business ManagementOwn account performance through data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.
- Monitor sales, inventory, service levels, and promotional performance
- Identify risks and opportunities and translate them into actionable plans
- Drive improvements in in-stock performance, operational efficiency, and profitability
- Ensure alignment to financial targets and effective use of trade investment
- Conduct sales analysis and provide input into demand forecasting to support inventory planning, promotional execution, and overall business performance
Qualifications & Experience- Bachelor's Degree and/or 5+ years of relevant experience required
- Experience managing or selling into retail accounts strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of retail fundamentals, including merchandising, promotions, and inventory management
- Solid business and financial acumen
Core Capabilities- Effective leader and communicator
- Results-driven with strong ownership mindset
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Strong organizational and execution skills
- Ability to influence and negotiate across multiple stakeholders
- Professional, adaptable, and self-motivated
Travel Requirement: Approximately 25-35%
