Key Account Manager – Natural Food, Grocery Distributor

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• Assist in building relationships with all UNFI and KeHE distributor contacts, including Supplier Managers, Category Managers, Onboarding Specialists, Coding, Vendor Support, Sales Enablement, Supply Chain Management, Accounts Payable, and Events/Marketing Teams.

• Comprehend supplier agreements and other onboarding documents, including their nuances and protocols for both UNFI and KeHE.

• Possess knowledge of current supplier policies, agreements, and logistical guidelines for each distributor.

• Monitor and evaluate distributor policies and procedures, aiding in the negotiation of necessary adjustments.

• Have a strong understanding of UNFI and KeHE programs, marketing initiatives, and policies.

• Stay informed about distributor sales and marketing tools, sharing new information with brands and suppliers as it becomes available.

• Provide guidance to brands during new vendor onboarding and ensure the completion of new vendor packets for both distributors.

• Upload all new and seasonal items/shippers.

• Offer pricing and freight guidance, including Delivered, FOB, freight allowances, and booked freight advice.

• Process vendor modifications such as warehouse changes, remit changes, and other corporate updates.

• Submit item maintenance, price alterations, discontinuations, and any other product or specification changes.

• Ensure all certifications remain current.

• Maintain a broker of record.

• Utilize KeHE Connect/BI and navigate the UNFI Portal (including Insights and MyUNFI) to enhance performance and potential for each brand and distribution center.

• Generate reports as requested by suppliers and familiarize yourself with all reporting suites for Green Spoon and our supplier partners.

• Lead planning meetings, develop planners, and submit finalized programming throughout the year in accordance with deadlines.

• Assist in organizing and filing roadmaps, promotional planners, and monthly programming; ensure all deadlines are adhered to.

• Submit monthly promotions and lead Annual Promotional Planning and Roadmapping in collaboration with the Promotions Team, ensuring alignment of promotional calendars between the Distribution Team and Promo/KAM Team.

• Follow up with buyers to generate purchase orders to sustain consistent sales and prevent out-of-stock issues.

• Check in with buyers regarding PO revisions and supply concerns.

• Address transportation and fill-rate issues by collaborating with distributor contacts to minimize retailer service-level problems and optimize item availability and sales.

• Coordinate participation at distributor exhibitions, including registration, dates, and pre- and post-show communications by distributing contact lists, show deals, PowerPoints, and sales summaries.

• Ensure the Take Root/Green Spoon team is informed about pre-order dates, distributor-specific discounts, product changes, and other programs aimed at boosting sales.

• Communicate updates to brand partners and relevant Take Root contacts.

• Act as a liaison between the Distributor Team and other departments at Take Root/Green Spoon.

• Must be willing and able to travel multiple times throughout the year for industry events and shows.

• If applicable, prepare and present at sales and vendor meetings.

• Assist in guiding deduction resolution and the dispute process.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing both UNFI and KeHE distributor businesses is required.

• A college degree in business or a related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred.

• Understanding of the brokerage business and its connections to Principals and overall operations.

• Experience in the natural food and grocery sector is necessary.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and time management abilities.

• Self-motivated with a prompt response time.

• Capability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Teams.

• Interest in organic food and products is essential.

• Must have reliable transportation.

• Must possess a smartphone and computer to perform job duties; Green Spoon provides the Microsoft Office Suite.

🏝️ Benefits

• Exceptional company culture!

• Salary package 15%-25%+ higher than competitive agencies.

• 401k Match Plan - 100% Employer Match up to 4% of Salary.

• Comprehensive health insurance plan fully covered.

• Comprehensive dental insurance plan fully covered.

• Comprehensive vision insurance plan fully covered.

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity insurance.

• Employee assistance program.

• Flexible spending account.

• Health savings account.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Generous PTO plan.

• Paid personal wellness days.

• 10 paid holidays (including a paid day off for your birthday).

• "Home for the Holidays" break.

• Bi-monthly office allowance.

• Annual team-building activities.

• Annual wellness reimbursement.

• Paid volunteer hours – 1% For The Planet (Team on a Mission!).