Key Accounts Sales Manager

We're looking for a Key Accounts Manager to grow and protect our relationships with major retailers and distributors while opening new doors for the business. You'll serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of key accounts, building account strategy and driving profitable growth, pair that with hands-on business development that expands our distribution, and lead and develop the team that supports this work. This role suits a relationship-driven, entrepreneurial leader with a consultative approach, sharp analytical instincts, and a proven record of exceeding targets, ideally within the stationery, home goods, or gift industry. The goal: deeper, more profitable relationships with the customers we have, and a steady pipeline of new ones.

•         Own and grow a portfolio of key accounts, including national retailers and distributors, serving as the primary point of contact and managing every aspect of the relationship from day-to-day servicing and order support to long-range planning

•         Develop and execute account-level strategic plans, setting annual sales objectives, financial targets, and assortment priorities in partnership with customers and internal stakeholders

•         Lead, coach, and motivate team members, setting performance expectations, tracking results against targets, developing talent at every level, and implementing training protocols and SOPs

•         Identify, research, and pursue new business opportunities, including new accounts, partnerships, and sales channels, to increase product visibility and distribution

•         Build and manage a business development pipeline: qualify leads, track prospects and next steps, and convert opportunities into new, profitable accounts

•         Lead new account pitches and onboarding, developing proposals and negotiating pricing, terms, and program structures that work for both the customer and the company

•         Analyze sales data, market trends, competitor activity, and consumer behavior to uncover white space within existing accounts and inform new business targeting and product development initiatives

•         Proactively assessing and validating customer needs on an ongoing basis, presenting new products, collections, and seasonal programs, and keeping customers and the team current on launches

•         Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Product Development, Design, Operations, and Customer Service to align account and new-business efforts with overall business objectives and ensure brand consistency

•         Manage bi-annual trade show preparation, coordinating with internal product teams and showrooms on sample and display requirements, and represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and conferences to promote brand awareness, strengthen key relationships, and generate new leads

•         Prepare regular account reviews, sales reports, forecasts, budgets, and pipeline updates for senior management review

•         Drive continuous improvement in account management and business development processes, systems, and performance metrics

•         Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

•         Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field desirable; MBA preferred

•         Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in key account management, sales, or business development, including team leadership or people management, preferably in the stationery, home goods, or gift industry

•         Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets, growing existing accounts, and winning new business

•         Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other sales management tools

•         Strategic, consultative seller with a results-oriented mindset and strong analytical capabilities

•         Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop a high-performing team

•         Entrepreneurial, self-directed approach to prospecting and pipeline building

•         Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present information effectively and respond to questions in English

•         Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities at once

•         Willingness to travel nationally as needed

•         Positive Attitude

•         Team Player