Role Description:
The Sales Account Manager will be responsible for managing and growing relationships with DSD distributors and retail partners. This person will help onboard new distribution partners, drive retail execution, and accelerate brand presence and velocity at the store level. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, operator, and problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own relationships with DSD distributors and regional sales teams
- Drive new distribution and execute retail programs to support launches and growth
- Train, motivate, and equip distributor teams with the tools to succeed
- Manage execution of promotions, retail merchandising, and display initiatives
- Partner with internal account manager, field marketing and operations to ensure full-market alignment
- Analyze data to identify gaps, opportunities, and priorities in assigned markets
- Represent the brand at distributor meetings, trade shows, and retail visits
- Forecast and manage order flow with operations and distributor contacts
- Collaborate cross-functionally with retail account managers, marketing, ops, and leadership to align goals
Qualifications:
- 3–7+ years of CPG sales experience with focus on DSD or beverage/snack industry
- Proven success managing distributor relationships and driving retail execution
- Deep understanding of DSD models, go-to-market strategy, and performance levers
- Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
- Self-starter with hustle, high accountability, and comfort in a startup environment
- Willingness to travel regionally or nationally up to 30–50%
Bonus Points For:
- Experience launching brands in new markets
- Existing relationships within DSD networks or regional distributors
- Experience using syndicated data platforms like IRI, Nielsen, or SPINS
- Prior work at challenger brands disrupting their category