Key Account Manager II

Advantage Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Solutions is looking for a Key Account Manager II based in Chicago, IL. This role involves managing sales programs and relationships with key clients. Responsibilities include driving sales growth, ensuring effective retail execution, and collaborating with internal teams to meet client objectives.

The ideal candidate has at least 4-6 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s degree, and strong skills in sales and client management. Travel up to 20% of the time is expected for this position.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience managing key retailers and accounts.
• Proven experience in sales growth and promotional execution.
• Solid track record in developing long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Drive clients' business at assigned customers; increase KPIs.
• Ensure retail execution and achieve budgetary goals.
• Analyze trends to identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Sales presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Conflict management skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Key Account Manager II

Job Locations: Chicago, IL, US

Summary

The KAM II is a salesperson responsible for meeting sales quotas and expense budgets for assigned clients by managing sales programs, promotional spending, distribution levels, shelf placement and strategic planning initiatives. Our clients are manufacturers, vendors, or brands who have contracted Advantage as their sales force. Our customers are retailers, wholesalers, or distributors to whom we sell the clients' brands.

This teammate will collaborate with clients to develop strategic plans to accomplish business goals and work with retailer associates (buyers, category managers, replenishment managers, and others) on headquarter calls to implement the programs. The teammate will own the relationship with our clients.

The position also works closely with internal Advantage Solutions associates such as Customer Managers, order entry, claims, category management, schematics and retail associates to increase sales volume within a market. The incumbent may service one or multiple clients' goals while also encompassing customer relations and implementation.

Job will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities

• Drive the clients' business at assigned customers; increase distribution, grow sales dollars/units/share and other KPIs while staying within spend guidelines.
• Ensure retail/merchandising execution and basic eCommerce execution; achieve targeted income and expense budgets by implementing promotional and marketing strategies.
• Analyze trends and results to identify growth opportunities and make recommendations to clients and customers.
• Monitor and drive growth through efficient management of promotional spending within guidelines on assigned clients.
• Meet budgetary goals by maintaining strict control and accounting of accrual and bill‑back funds for assigned clients.
• Meet expectation for managing period‑ending fund balance performance with no overspends vs. trade budget.
• Meet or exceed clients' goals for sales, distribution, share, pricing, shelving, and promotional volume.
• Launch strategies to pursue new opportunities.
• Implement retailer headquarter calls and penetrate key positions at the retailer to achieve sales goals by managing and maximizing manufacturer marketing and promotional funds while staying within financial guidelines.
• Ensure that all retail pricing and indirect order guides within the division are updated by correcting discrepancies.
• Secure client‑approved schematics for all clients' brands by providing direction and communication to schematic, reset, and retail departments.
• Ensure incremental sales through distribution of new products and maintenance of existing SKUs.
• Collaborate with category management team to develop retailer presentations using database rationale such as SKU optimization, efficient promotion causal data, and lift analysis.
• Manage accounts to achieve the targeted ACV on innovation.
• Build and maintain effective client and retailer relationships to ensure customer access and client perspective that we are connected and engaged with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sales accomplishments and areas of opportunity by developing sales presentations for customers and clients.
• Implement customer HQ calls and demonstrate an ability to penetrate key positions at the retailer.
• Offer strategic input pursuant to annual business plans, problem solving, ongoing customer management; find the intersection of retailer and client objectives and drive win‑win scenarios.
• Provide timely and fluid communication on client goals, programs, price changes, and priorities to all necessary people and information.
• Manage difficult situations, issues, and conflicts to reach effective outcomes.

Direct Reports: None

Indirect Reports: None, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction, and mentoring.

Education and Qualifications

Education Level (Required): Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

Field of Study/Area of Experience: 4‑6 years.

A solid track record of managing or working closely with key retailers, including department heads, category managers, buyers, and other retail stakeholders; proven experience managing high‑value accounts, developing long‑term relationships, and delivering on customer objectives (e.g., sales growth, promotional execution).

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong sales presentation and development skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of syndicated data.
• Intermediate or advanced computer skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide cross‑functional leadership.
• Well‑organized, detail‑oriented, and able to handle a fast‑paced work environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to change and alter according to project or business environment changes.
• Ability to complete multiple duties with accuracy while shifting from one to another with frequent interruptions and competing deadlines.

Travel and Driving Requirements

Travel and driving are essential duties and functions of this job. Travel up to 20 %.

Environmental & Physical Requirements

Office/sedentary requirements: primarily in an office environment. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods (66 %+ each day), hear telephone, enter data on a computer, and lift up to 10 lbs.

Other Information

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or manager related to the position/department. This job description is not exhaustive and may change without notice. Reasonable accommodations for known disabilities will be provided to enable qualified applicants or employees to apply, perform essential functions, or enjoy employment benefits as required by law.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other protected category. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply, perform essential functions, or enjoy employment benefits as required by law.