Key Account Manager

Lucas James Talent Partners; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stable family-owned company

Significant growth potential

Relationship-driven culture

Job summary

A leading restaurant supply company is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to service and grow a portfolio of high-value customers. The role is focused on maintaining strong relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and acting as a trusted advisor. Candidates should have over 5 years of B2B sales experience, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and a valid driver's license for local travel. This full-time position is based in the Chicagoland area, offering a competitive salary and bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of B2B sales or account management experience; foodservice, distribution, or hospitality experience required.
• Proven track record of maintaining and growing long-term customer relationships.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel locally 3–4 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned key accounts.
• Act as a trusted, in-person partner by visiting accounts regularly.
• Maintain consistent communication through on-site visits and phone calls.
• Resolve service, delivery, and product issues quickly.
• Cooperate closely with inside sales, warehouse, and customer service teams.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Customer relationship management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

Base Pay Range

$85,000.00/yr - $115,000.00/yr

Location

Chicagoland & surrounding territories (local travel required 3-4 days/ week)

Job Type

Full-time

Overview

Zepole Supply Co. is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager (KAM) to service, retain, and grow a portfolio of long‑standing, high‑value restaurant and hospitality customers.

The Key Account Manager will act as a hands‑on, in‑person partner—maintaining deep customer relationships while identifying opportunities to expand product penetration across chemicals, disposables, small equipment, and resupply categories. This is a relationship‑first role for someone who understands how to balance service excellence with thoughtful, consultative growth.

Who We Are

Zepole Supply Co. is a family‑owned restaurant equipment and supply company founded in 1982 and built on relationships, reliability, and doing the right thing. From independent neighborhood restaurants to multi‑location hospitality groups, our mission has always been simple: help our customers run better kitchens by being the easiest, most trusted partner they have.

Over the past 40+ years, Zepole has grown from a single storefront in Bolingbrook, Illinois to a regional organization serving operators across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—including Fein Brothers in Milwaukee and a new Zepole branch in Minnesota. Despite our growth, our culture remains rooted in family values, accountability, and follow‑through.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned key accounts, ensuring a seamless transition from a retiring senior representative
• Act as a trusted, in‑person partner by visiting accounts regularly, taking weekly orders, consulting with operators, and responding promptly to customer needs
• Maintain consistent communication through on‑site visits, phone calls, and digital follow‑up
• Resolve service, delivery, and product issues quickly to protect customer satisfaction and retention
• Coordinate closely with inside sales, warehouse, and customer service teams to ensure accurate and timely fulfillment
• Proactively identify and execute cross‑sell and upsell opportunities across chemicals, disposables, small equipment, and resupply categories
• Document customer interactions, opportunities, and account goals within the CRM/Funnel system
• Manage accounts receivable responsibilities, including payment collection when required
• Prepare and deliver Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) for top accounts
• Partner with Zepole’s equipment specialists and Z-Chem team to deliver comprehensive, full‑service solutions

Qualifications

• 5+ years of B2B sales or account management experience; foodservice, distribution, or hospitality experience required
• Proven track record of maintaining and growing long‑term customer relationships
• Highly organized, service‑oriented, and skilled in communication and problem‑solving
• Comfortable using technology tools including CRM systems, order portals, and Microsoft 365
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel locally 3–4 days per week

Why Zepole

• Join a stable, family‑owned company with a strong reputation and decades‑long customer relationships
• Inherit established, high‑value accounts with significant growth potential
• Work in a relationship‑driven culture where trust, service, and follow‑through matter
• Partner with knowledgeable internal teams to deliver complete kitchen and supply solutions

Total Base + Bonus Comp Potential

$85,000 - $115,000

Seniority Level

Not Applicable

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Food and Beverage Services