Location: Remote (U.S.) – Preference for Central or Western United StatesReports to: Director of SalesCompensation: $130,000 – $145,000 base + 20–30% bonusLucas James Talent Partners is partnering with Forever Cheese to identify a National Account Manager to support the company's expansion into national retail grocery.About Forever CheeseForever Cheese is a leading importer, manufacturer, and distributor of premium specialty foods in the United States. For more than 25 years, the company has built a strong reputation for bringing exceptional cheeses and specialty foods from around the world to American consumers.As the business continues to evolve, Forever Cheese is expanding beyond its legacy import and specialty distribution roots into branded specialty foods and value-added offerings built for national retail grocery. This next chapter represents a significant growth opportunity as the company looks to scale its brands across major U.S. retailers.To support that growth, Forever Cheese is seeking an experienced commercial leader who understands how to build retail partnerships, win new placements, and grow business within large grocery organizations.Position Overview Forever Cheese is seeking a National Account Manager – Grocery Retail (CPG) to drive expansion across major national retail customers.This is a high-impact individual contributor role focused on growth, not maintenance. The position is designed for someone who has successfully sold into large grocery retailers and understands how to navigate complex category management environments.The primary focus of the role is securing new item authorizations, expanding distribution, and building relationships with key retail buyers , while also managing and growing an existing partnership with Kroger .This person will play a key role in helping Forever Cheese establish and scale its national retail sales strategy.Key Responsibilities Identify and secure new product placements across targeted national retail accountsDevelop and deliver compelling, data-driven product pitches to retail buyersNavigate category review cycles and retailer buying processesExpand distribution within existing retail relationshipsOwn and Grow the Kroger Account Serve as the primary commercial owner for the Kroger relationshipManage both direct business and distributor-based placementsNavigate Kroger's complex banner structure and decentralized decision-making environmentIdentify opportunities to expand product placements across banners and divisionsBuild Strategic Retail Relationships Develop relationships with category managers, merchandisers, and key retail decision-makersUnderstand internal retailer structures and decision-making processesServe as the primary conduit between the retailer and Forever CheeseDevelop Retail Growth Strategies Partner with internal teams to identify new product opportunities aligned with retailer needsSupport pricing strategy, promotions, and merchandising initiativesContribute to long-term retail growth strategyDrive Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing and product development on new item launchesCoordinate with customer support and operations teams to ensure executionHelp shape internal processes for managing national retail accounts as the business scalesSuccess in the First 12 Months Within the first year, the National Account Manager will:Establish relationships with key category decision-makers within target retailersMap retailer organizational structures and buying processesAdvance multiple products through retailer sales cyclesPosition at least one product for potential adoptionHelp define the company's playbook for selling into large grocery organizationsKey Accounts This role will focus on expanding distribution and building relationships across several strategic national retailers.Primary Account KrogerAdditional Target Accounts PublixAlbertsons / ACIClub retailers including Costco, BJ's Wholesale, and Sam's ClubKroger will likely represent a significant portion of the role initially, with opportunities to expand relationships across Kroger's multiple banners and divisions.Candidate Profile The ideal candidate has experience managing national grocery accounts within a CPG environment and understands how to successfully secure new placements with large retailers.Required Experience Experience selling into large grocery retailers such as Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, or Club channelsDemonstrated success securing new item authorizationsExperience calling on category management teams and navigating category review processesStrong understanding of retail pricing, promotions, and merchandising strategiesPreferred Background Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) experience strongly preferredExperience with premium or specialty food brands is helpful but not requiredData-driven sales approach with the ability to support recommendations with analyticsTraits That Drive Success in This Role High level of ownership and accountabilityStrong relationship-building skills with retail buyersAbility to navigate complex retail organizationsStrategic mindset paired with strong executionSolutions-oriented approach to problem solvingBonus: 20–30% of base salary , based on management-by-objective performance metricsFully remote position within the United StatesPreference for candidates located in the Central or Western U.S.Travel Up to 50% travel initiallyPotential to increase to 50–75% travel once the role is fully rampedTravel includes in-person retailer meetings and overnight travelWhy Join Forever Cheese This role offers the opportunity to help shape the next phase of Forever Cheese's growth as the company expands into national retail grocery.The National Account Manager will have the chance to:Play a key role in building the company's national retail presenceWork directly with senior leadership on retail growth strategyInfluence how the company approaches large retail partnerships going forwardIf you are energized by building from the ground up, winning new placements, and helping a growing specialty food company expand across national retail, this is a rare opportunity to make a real mark. 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