Key Account Manager

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive profitable growth and build strong customer partnerships across a portfolio of regional grocery, wholesale, and distributor accounts. As a Key Account Manager, you will support sales and business management activities while partnering with customers, brokers, and cross-functional teams to execute business plans, promotional strategies, sales analysis, forecasting, and new product commercialization. You will play a key role in strengthening customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering exceptional service while helping achieve Perdue Foods' strategic objectives. This role is ideal for an early-career sales professional who is eager to develop expertise in customer management, account planning, revenue growth strategies, and strategic selling while building a successful commercial career in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of annual and quarterly business plans for assigned retail, wholesale, and distributor accounts.

Maintain productive customer relationships and serve as a day-to-day contact for assigned accounts while supporting senior sales leadership on strategic initiatives.

Assist in the preparation and execution of customer business reviews, line reviews, promotional planning sessions, and sales presentations.

Support new item launches, assortment reviews, merchandising opportunities, and customer-specific growth initiatives.

Coordinate and communicate customer requirements internally to ensure successful execution of programs, promotions, and service expectations.

Analyze sales trends, promotional performance, customer scorecards, market data, and forecast information to identify business opportunities and risks.

Assist with demand planning activities, including promotional forecasting and collaboration with Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Operations teams.

Monitor customer performance against volume, revenue, profitability, and distribution objectives.

Utilize customer portals, internal reporting systems, syndicated data, and account databases to maintain accurate business information and provide regular business updates.

Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports for sales leadership and customer review meetings.

Assist in managing trade spending, promotional investments, and customer program execution.

Support feature planning, pricing execution, promotional contracts, and deduction management processes.

Ensure the accuracy of promotional commitments, contract documentation, and customer-facing materials.

Partner with Marketing, Category Management, Revenue Growth Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Customer Service, and Operations teams to support customer needs and company objectives.

Work collaboratively with brokers and field sales resources to ensure execution of customer programs and in-store initiatives.

Participate in customer meetings, industry events, and training opportunities to build commercial acumen and customer management skills.

Develop proficiency in fact-based selling, category management principles, customer planning, financial analysis, and negotiation fundamentals.

Participate in company-sponsored training, development programs, and coaching opportunities to build future account management capabilities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Economics, Finance, Agriculture, Food Marketing, or a related field.

2+ years of experience in sales, account management, category management, marketing, customer service, supply chain, or related business functions.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and business reporting tools.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to travel as needed to support customer meetings and business reviews.

Preferred Education and Experience

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), food manufacturing, food service, retail, or grocery industry internship or work experience.

Experience working with sales reporting tools, syndicated data, or retailer portals.

Exposure to customer-facing business environments.

Knowledge of grocery retail and wholesale distribution channels.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

Work primarily in an office environment with periodic travel to customer locations, company facilities, industry events, and business meetings.

Hybrid work arrangements may be available based on business needs.

Occasionally, lift presentation materials, product samples, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Travel overnight as needed.