Key Account Manager - Northern California

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Job Type

Full-time

Description

Sapporo brewed the first beer of Japan in 1876. It's now the number one selling Asian beer brand in the U.S. thanks to its best-selling Sapporo Premium. Sapporo acquired Stone Brewing in 2022 to brew all of Sapporo's beer for the U.S. market. Stone Brewing, established in 1996, pioneered the West Coast Style IPA helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution. Now one company, Sapporo-Stone Brewing is among the 15 largest breweries in the U.S. and operates production facilities in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA plus seven Stone Brewing taproom and bistro locations. We've enjoyed a rich history following our passion and are in search of people who take great pride in building our legacy for the future.

Summary

The Key Account Manager develops, guides, and maintains strong account-specific business relationships with key account customers within a specified territory. This role produces proactive action plans that increase brand awareness and distribution in off-premise chains. The Key Account Manager partners closely with distributor personnel to prepare and execute strategies for increased distribution, sales, and growth in these accounts.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for revenue growth, profitability, and building brewery partnership, brand image, and market development within account base

• Develop and execute account strategies in accordance with overall channel strategy

• Seek out and attain new business opportunities both within and outside of existing customer base

• Develop account goals and business plans and ensure plan execution

• Conduct regular meetings with identified customer channels focused on customer satisfaction and revenue growth

• Maximize selling opportunities within territories, and ensure execution at account level through effective communication with distributor network and regional sales team

• Ensure consistency with all marketing and sales activities as well as consistency with following company policies and procedures

• Strengthen and expand sales by calling on a specific set of accounts which are to include, but not limited to regional grocery, mass merch, liquor, and eCommerce retailers

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field

• 5-7 years of related experience and/or training utilizing strong customer service sales skills within the food or beverage industry preferred

• Proven experience with focus on growing key account sales, preferably in craft or import beer sales

• Previous experience partnering with retailers preferred - specifically the Albsco and Kroger banners in Oregon and Washington

• Effective and persuasive communicator with outstanding presence and presentation

• Demonstrated experience using problem-solving and negotiation skills

• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain customer relationships

• Detail oriented with strong execution skills to drive results

• Experience in sales data collection and analysis; working knowledge of VIP iDig; Nielsen IQ, IRI, and Numerator preferred

• Experience with managing pricing and pricing strategy preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite

• Cicerone program certification a plus

• Flexibility to travel as needed, including weekends where necessary to drive sales and connect with customers

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

• Annual Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000

• Annual Sales Bonus Plan: 30% of Annual Salary

• Comprehensive Health Insurance, 401K, and Bonuses for Eligible Team Members

• Company beer perks program and discounts

• Paid Time Off - including Vacation accrual, Sick Leave, and 12 paid Holidays

• Benefit programs supporting Financial Wellness, Health & Wellness and Career Development

Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, various ability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing seeks to build a culturally diverse staff where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, individuals with various abilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.

Salary Description

$80,000 - $95,000