Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field
3-7 years of sales experience in Pet Specialty, Food & Beverage, or adjacent CPG categories
Experience managing relationships with headquarters and distributors
Strong analytical skills for trends and sales performance metrics
Proficient in creating PowerPoint presentations
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary contact for assigned customers and distributors
Analyze purchase order data to project sales and identify growth opportunities
Lead customer business reviews and market presentations
Engage regularly with accounts to meet customer needs
Execute promotional strategies to drive volume and visibility
Provide sales forecasts for production and demand planning
Collaborate with leadership on pricing and account strategies
Benefits
Growing U.S. business with expanding distribution
Long-term stability from a well-established Japanese parent company
Opportunity to manage meaningful accounts and influence growth strategy
Collaborative and professional work environment with a strong brand reputation
Full Job Description
Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty Location: Torrance, CA (In-Office) Reports to: Sr. Sales Manager Category Focus: Pet Specialty
Position Summary Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. is seeking a Key Account Manager - Pet to develop and manage strategic relationships at the headquarters and regional level with national and regional retailers, as well as distributors, within the Pet Specialty 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 Torrance, CA, as required by company leadership.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Grow distribution and sales volume within assigned Pet Specialty accounts
Strengthen distributor relationships to expand market presence and execution
Become a trusted partner to customers through strategic planning and consistent engagement
Contribute to category growth through promotions, pricing strategies, and market insights
Collaborate cross-functionally to support forecasting, production planning, and account strategy
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers and distributors, nurturing existing business and driving incremental growth
Analyze historical and current purchase order data to project sales, assess profitability, and identify growth opportunities
Lead and participate in customer business reviews and market presentations
Maintain regular engagement with accounts to ensure customer needs are met or exceeded
Execute promotional strategies and programs to drive volume and brand visibility
Provide sales forecasts and input for production and demand planning
Collaborate with executive leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies
Resolve customer issues related to product, service, or sales execution
Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising techniques
Manage expenses in alignment with budgeted guidelines
Demonstrate a growth-oriented, proactive sales approach focused on building and expanding strategic relationships
Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and ethical standards while representing Inaba in a professional manner
Perform additional duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field
3-7 years of experience in sales within Pet Specialty, Food & Beverage, or adjacent CPG categories
Experience calling on headquarters, regional offices, and/or managing distributor relationships
Strong ability to analyze trends, data, and sales performance metrics
Proficiency in creating compelling PowerPoint sales presentations
Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
Experience working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners
Ability to travel locally or regionally as needed, including time spent in the field
Valid driver's license with a safe driving record, in accordance with company policy
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
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
