Account Manager, Client Growth (Branded Merchandise)

BDA; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BDA is seeking an Account Manager to build and maintain strong relationships with enterprise and hybrid accounts in the branded merchandise space. You will be a strategist and closer, driving revenue growth through value-driven selling and cross-functional collaboration.

The role emphasizes managing client relationships, ensuring brand compliance, and aligning merchandise strategies with marketing objectives while delivering proactive, solutions-oriented support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the

Responsibilities

• Own and exceed sales and margin goals across assigned accounts.
• Identify new opportunities within existing accounts to drive incremental revenue through strategic prospecting and relationship building.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, aligning merchandise strategies with their broader marketing and brand objectives.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and Account Business Reviews (ABRs), delivering insights, performance metrics, and strategic roadmaps.
• Forecast revenue and contribute to long-term strategic planning for key accounts.

Skills

Strategic sales

Account management

Relationship building

Forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field

Job description

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, \"Keep dreaming.\" Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

POSITION SUMMARY

As an Account Manager at BDA, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients. In this role, you are both strategic and sales-driven to manage and grow a portfolio of high-value enterprise and/or hybrid accounts within the branded merchandise industry. This role requires a deep understanding of the promotional products space, strong enterprise-level relationship management, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth through strategic planning, value-driven selling, and cross-functional collaboration. You must be both a strategist and a closer and thrive on expanding client relationships, exceeding sales goals, and delivering creative solutions that align with brand compliance and client marketing objectives.

LOCATION:

This position is based in our Indianapolis office 4 days per week, with monthly travel to a client site in New Jersey. Alternatively, it may be structured as a remote role for candidates within commuting distance of New Brunswick, NJ, with expectations for periodic in-person meetings, hand-delivered samples, and on-the-ground support for last-minute requests. Candidates based in New York City may also have access to BDA’s Bryant Park office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sales & Account Growth

• Own and exceed sales and margin goals across assigned accounts.
• Identify new opportunities within existing accounts to drive incremental revenue through strategic prospecting and relationship building.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, aligning merchandise strategies with their broader marketing and brand objectives.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and Account Business Reviews (ABRs), delivering insights, performance metrics, and strategic roadmaps.
• Forecast revenue and contribute to long-term strategic planning for key accounts.

Client Relationship & Brand Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Ensure full compliance with brand guidelines, contracts, and program standards.
• Deliver proactive, solutions-oriented support to meet evolving client needs, acting as both consultant and problem-solver.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Creative, Merchandising, Programs, Sales Ops, Supplier Relations, and other internal teams to deliver a best-in-class client experience.
• Develop merchandise strategies that reflect market trends and elevate the client’s brand.
• Coordinate and manage multiple complex projects with varying scopes, timelines, and logistical considerations.

Operational Execution

• Ensure client pre-sale, order and approval processes, supplier compliance standards and production timeline expectations are met
• Ensure all project communications, updates, and deliverables meet client and internal expectations.
• Accurately log and manage account activity in Salesforce to ensure full pipeline visibility and performance tracking.

Client Events & Onboarding

• Successfully onboard new enterprise clients, ensuring a smooth and strategic launch.
• Coordinate and attend client events as needed, ensuring high satisfaction and brand alignment.
• Participation in departmental and other meetings as required
• Other duties as assigned by direct manager, sales leadership and/or executive team

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the