United Natural Foods, Inc

Key Account Manager

United Natural Foods, Inc$72K — $90K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in Business, Management, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience managing key accounts in the industry.
  • Experience managing a trade spend budget and promotional calendar.
  • Knowledge of the organic/natural consumer-packaged goods sector is advantageous.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional communication and customer service abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and monitor the annual customer business plan.
  • Create and adjust the annual budget with the Sales Director.
  • Track risks and opportunities through an ongoing tracker.
  • Leverage existing retailer relationships for business growth.
  • Conduct thorough analysis of market trends to identify opportunities.
  • Lead the development of customer promotional strategies and execution.
  • Maintain strong client relationships and communicate effectively with the sales team.

Benefits

  • Base salary and sales incentive plan provided.
  • Car allowance for job-related travel expenses.
  • Health and dental benefits available from day one.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) policy.
  • Company RRSP for retirement savings.
  • Employee discount on UNFI products, enhancing job satisfaction.
  • Access to mentorship programs and developmental opportunities.
Full Job Description
Job Overview:

The Key Account Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing sales & marketing activities to increase market share in key accounts. Directs strategic planning, communicates goals and objectives to Company personnel, and oversees the activities of Field Sales Representatives related to key accounts. Ensures operational plans are effectively implemented.

Tracks revenue goals and contribution margins, oversees budget, and completes reporting requirements as scheduled. Meets or exceeds goal expectations and ensures that professional relations exist with resellers, third party suppliers, and external contacts. Keeps Senior Management well informed of area operations.

Job Responsibilities:

Sales Strategy
  • Develop and track the annual customer business plan.
  • Develop the annual budget (in collaboration with the Sales Director) by creating annual building blocks.
  • Update budget via quarterly forecast process.
  • Track on-going risks and opportunities via R&O tracker.
  • Leverage current retailer relationships to further expand business development opportunities at all levels.
  • Analyze consumer, shopper, retailer and competitor trends and design strategies to capitalize on business development opportunities.
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of retailer operations, systems, products and needs.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with customer to ensure annual growth target are achieved.

Pricing & Promotion
  • Lead development of the annual customer promotion plan working collaboratively with vendors and brokers.
  • Execute price increases into customer and UNFI business systems in a timely manner; Work collaboratively with SRM's and vendors/brokers on price increase negotiations, MCB support.
  • Work with brokers/vendors to establish annual customer promotional plan.
  • Execute monthly promotional pricing plan into customer and UNFI business system.
  • Develop and input promotional forecast into UNFI business system.
  • Track and monitor vendor trade spending.
  • Execute, track and monitor seasonal and/or ad-hoc customer pre-books.

Innovation
  • Effectively develop new revenue opportunities with key company clients.
  • Maintain knowledge of industry trends, opportunities, channels, products, and competitors to support the identification of business development opportunities.
  • Actively participate in UNFI and Industry trade shows and engage with vendors, brokers and retailers at shows to develop potential business opportunities.
  • Work collaboratively with customer, broker, vendor to secure new listings and agreed upon pricing.
  • Develop, input and track new listing forecast into UNFI business system.
  • Execute "Cost of Doing Business" forms with vendor community.
  • Maintain customer listing base and pricing Bid with new listings, discontinued, pack size changes by completing customer specific forms and/or portal.
  • Execute "free fills" for new product launches or negotiate new listing fee and obtain MCB support.

Communication
  • Maintains excellent customer relations by meeting/exceeding client expectations and established deadlines.
  • Communicates all customer programs to Field Sales team via MyBiz and/or Playbook Calls.

Accounts Receivable
  • Works closely with Finance team to review and reconcile customer deductions including costing discrepancies, post audits, promotional and listing fees

Other
  • Performs other relevant duties as necessary.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
  • Post-Secondary Education in Business, Management, Marketing or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Experience:
  • 3-5 years managing conventional key accounts and related processes.
  • Previous experience managing categories, a trade spend budget, promotional calendar, and planogram resets.
  • Previous experience managing key accounts within the organic/natural consumer-packaged goods industry an asset.

Knowledge:
  • Strong and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required (Excel, Powerpoint, Word).

Skills & Abilities:
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task, be well organized, motivated, and recognize & support UNFI's philosophy. Excellent public relations and presentation skills.
  • Works well independently and in a team environment.
  • Good accounting and business math skills.

Work Environment:

Remote:

This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office, travel to customers, or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:

Travel is required up to 50% for this position.

Benefits: Base salary, Sales Incentive Plan offered, car allowance, Health & Dental Benefits offered on first day of employment, Competitive PTO, Company RRSP, Employee discount on UNFI products, mentorship program/developmental opportunities.

About United Natural Foods, Inc

UNFI is the leading independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products including nutritional supplements, personal care items and organic produce, in the United States. In addition to excellent distribution services, we provide a range of innovative, value-added services for our customers and suppliers, to foster mutual success and growth. Our services include marketing and promotional tools, merchandising, category management and store support services.

United Natural Foods, Inc. Careers

Join the vibrant team at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), where we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation in the food industry. As a leading distributor of natural and organic foods, we are committed to nurturing talent through diversity training, leadership development, and a culture that values each team member's contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At UNFI, we are passionate about transforming the food industry sustainably and healthily. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on food access and quality. Our commitment to innovation and growth offers our employees unparalleled career advancement opportunities within a dynamic industry.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a senior management role, UNFI offers a range of career paths in areas such as logistics, sales, marketing, and corporate support. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates eager to gain hands-on experience and develop essential industry skills.

Innovative Work Environment

Our leadership is deeply invested in fostering an environment where creativity and strategic thinking are at the forefront of operational success. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on sustainable practices, working at UNFI means being part of a team that’s leading change.

Be Part of a Great Team

At UNFI, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Our team is made up of passionate, curious, and solution-driven players who bring a wealth of perspectives and expertise to our company.

Future-Proof Your Career

With UNFI, the trajectory of your career is bound only by your ambition. We support our team members with extensive training, development programs, and certification support to ensure you are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Embrace the opportunity to grow with a company that is as committed to your career as it is to leading the industry.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the exciting employment and career opportunities at UNFI. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for innovative, driven, and professional individuals ready to join our leading team.

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Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Networking and Professional Development

Enhance your career through our networking events, professional development sessions, and leadership training. At UNFI, we invest in your future with resources that are designed to elevate your professional journey.

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Learn more about United Natural Foods, Inc
Size
28,300 employees
Market Cap
$2.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$198.4 million
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
+25.5%
Revenue
$27.9 billion
NASDAQ

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