PurposeReporting to the Sales Director, the National Account Manager is a driven and relationship-focused sales leader charged with managing and growing our Food Service and Industrial segment. This role is responsible for managing key customer relationships, driving profitable growth, and serving as the primary liaison between customers and our internal teams. The ideal candidate combines commercial acumen with a deep understanding of food manufacturing, customer operations, and supply chain dynamics.
Key Responsibilities- Manage and grow a portfolio of Food Service and Industrial accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
- Maintain strong relationships and manage revenue performance. Lead monthly business reviews and contract compliance.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, coordinating all commercial and operational activities including promotional calendar and shelf-life improvements
- Partner with customers to understand their business needs, menu or product development goals, and operational challenges
- Identify and execute opportunities for volume growth, product expansion, and long-term partnerships
- Develop and monitor monthly and annual forecasts and growth plans to drive forecast accuracy and ensure consistent service levels
- Own price inputs into the Company ERP system
- Control trade spend and analyze promotional effectiveness
- Develop annual customer business plans utilizing data-driven strategies and tactics to create win-win partnerships
- Lead pricing discussions, contract negotiations, and annual business reviews
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver customer solutions on time and to specification
- Support new product development initiatives by gathering customer insights and coordinating commercialization efforts
- Perform regular sales analyses and develop action plans to optimize account performance aligned with annual business objectives
- Track account performance against targets and provide regular reporting and insights to leadership
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to support strategic planning
- Prepare effective and professional sales reports and presentations
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5 - 7 years of account management or sales experience within food manufacturing, food service, ingredients
- Proven track record of driving new business growth within foodservice (Quick Service Restaurant, Casual Dining and Hospitality) is required
- Experience working with foodservice distributors and brokers
- Proven ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
- Data-driven mindset with comfort analyzing sales, margins, and forecasts
- Ability to build long-term relationships while maintaining a results-driven growth mindset
- Ability to listen, understand customer needs & develop creative solutions that drives growth
- Excellent systems knowledge to include Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
