Key Account Manager – Pet Food &

 Supplies (Retail Channel)

Location: United States (Travel up to 60%)
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a high-impact Key Account Manager with a strong background in the pet food and pet supply industry to drive growth within our national retail channel. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic sales plans, strengthening vendor partnerships, and delivering profitable growth across key customer accounts.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in the pet industry, understands retail dynamics, and thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Planning & Market Development

• Develop and execute national business plans to achieve revenue and profitability targets
• Identify new market opportunities and build expansion strategies within and beyond existing channels
• Provide leadership with actionable insights on customer trends, competitive activity, and growth opportunities
• Partner cross-functionally to align on strategic initiatives and business priorities

Sales & Account Management

• Own and manage relationships with Key Account customers across the U.S.
• Develop tailored sales programs, promotions, and growth strategies with vendor partners
• Drive revenue and margin performance through pricing, assortment optimization, and promotional effectiveness
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) highlighting performance, insights, and growth opportunities
• Ensure strong customer engagement through proactive communication and service excellence

Operational Alignment & Process Optimization

• Partner with Operations to streamline ordering, invoicing, and fulfillment processes
• Provide accurate sales forecasts, including new product launches and promotions
• Identify and remove operational barriers impacting customer success

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Engagement

• Work closely with Vendor Management and Marketing teams to execute programs and campaigns
• Represent customer voice in category planning, product launches, and promotional strategies
• Communicate key insights, risks, and opportunities to leadership

Industry Representation

• Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings
• Promote company values, policies, and high ethical standards in all interactions

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• 10+ years of experience in a consumer products or related industry
• 3+ years in Key Account Management (retail environment required)
• Pet industry experience preferred (pet food/pet supplies highly desirable)
• Strong negotiation and contract management experience
• Proven success managing large, complex retail accounts

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of retail KPIs, DSD models, and sales analytics
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams
• Results-driven with strong organizational and execution skills

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to shape growth in a thriving pet industry category
• High visibility role partnering with senior leadership and key customers
• Collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are a strategic, relationship-driven sales leader who understands the nuances of the pet category, has experience managing national retail accounts, and knows how to translate insights into profitable growth. You’re equally comfortable in front of customers, internal stakeholders, and executive leadership.

INDPPFS