Key Account Manager I – Dedicated Mars C-Store HQ Team

We are seeking a dynamic Key Account Manager (KAM) to be responsible for making sales calls on designated customers (both distributors and retail chains) in the convenience channel. The Key Account Manager works closely with the Sales Team Leader within an assigned geographic territory. 

This position works closely with the Mars Broker Team to align and execute against annual joint business objectives (JBO’s) to include: gross sales volume (GSV), speed-to-market, assortment, promotions, planograms and trade management.  Additionally, this position works with internal Advantage Solutions associates such as Key Account Manager II’s, Category Managers and Sales Director to drive client (Mars) and assigned customer relationships.

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

What we offer:

• Full-Time Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
• 401(k) with company match
• Training and Career Development
• Generous Paid Time-Off 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meets or exceeds client’s goals for sales, distribution, share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume at assigned customers.
• Responsible for ensuring retail/merchandising execution.
• Achieves targeted objectives by implementing promotional and marketing strategies.
• Analyzes trends and results to identify growth opportunities and makes recommendations to the client and assigned customers.
• Monitors and drives growth through efficient management of promotional spending and trade budgets within guidelines on assigned customers.
• Launches strategies to pursue new opportunities
• Complete retailer headquarter calls and penetrate key positions to drive relationships to ensure customer access and client perspective that we are connected and engaged with key stakeholders
• Monitor retail pricing
• Secure Client approved schematics for all Clients’ brands by providing direction and insights to assigned customers and key decision makers.
• Ensure incremental sales through distribution of new products and maintenance of existing SKU’s
• Collaborate with category management team to develop retailer presentations by using database rationale such as SKU optimization, efficient promotion causal data, and lift analysis
• Manage accounts to achieve the targeted ACV on Innovation
• Provide timely and fluid communication on client goals, programs, price changes, and priorities to include all necessary people and information.
• Manages difficult situations, issues and conflicts to get to an effective outcome.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct Reports - this position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports - this position does not have guidance or mentoring responsibilities for indirect reports

Travel and/or Driving Requirements:

• Travel and Driving are essential duties and function of this job 
• Travel up to 50 %

 
Education Level: (Required): High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience
                                      (Preferred): Bachelor's Degree

Field of Study/Area of Experience: 3-5 years of experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry.  Experience in confectionery and/or convenience channel is a plus.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of applications (i.e.: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Teams).
• Strong sales presentation and development skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of syndicated data
• Intermediate or advanced computer skills
• Strong written communication and verbal communication skills
• Conflict management skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide cross-functional leadership
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle a fast-paced work environment
• Flexible and adaptable, able to change and alter according to changes in projects or business environment
• Ability to complete multiple duties with accuracy shifting from one to another with frequent interruptions and competing deadlines

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled