Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty

gpac; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is partnering with a growing premium consumer-products company to hire a Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty in Oak Brook, IL. You will manage strategic retail and distributor relationships, identify opportunities to increase sales, expand distribution, and strengthen market presence.

The role demands strong relationship management, data-driven growth strategies, and collaboration across sales, operations, and leadership to drive account performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field.
• 3-7 years of sales or key account management experience.
• Pet Specialty, Pet CPG, Food & Beverage, or related consumer-products experience preferred.
• Experience working with retail headquarters, regional offices, and/or distributors.
• Strong business-development and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to analyze sales data and identify growth opportunities.
• Experience creating and delivering customer presentations.
• Strong forecasting, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external partners.
• Comfortable working in-office in Oak Brook, IL.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with assigned Pet Specialty retailers and distributors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers.
• Develop strategies to increase sales, distribution, and market presence.
• Analyze sales and purchase-order data to identify growth opportunities.
• Evaluate account performance, trends, and profitability.
• Lead customer business reviews and sales presentations.
• Develop and execute promotional programs.
• Provide sales forecasts and input for demand and production planning.
• Partner with leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies.
• Resolve customer issues and support successful sales execution.
• Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, production, and leadership.
• Travel locally or regionally as needed.

Skills

Relationship management

Sales experience

Forecasting

Negotiation

Customer presentations

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Oak Brook, IL

Compensation: $80,000-$100,000 + 2 Discretionary Bonuses

Employment: Full-Time | In-Office

Industry: Pet Products / CPG / Consumer Products

Grow Accounts. Expand Distribution. Build a Premium Brand.

gpac is partnered with a growing premium consumer-products company seeking an experienced Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty to join its sales organization in Oak Brook, IL.

This position is ideal for a sales professional who combines strong relationship management with a growth mindset.

You'll manage strategic retail and distributor relationships while identifying opportunities to increase sales, expand distribution, strengthen market presence, and develop long-term customer partnerships.

What You'll Do

• Manage relationships with assigned Pet Specialty retailers and distributors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers.
• Develop strategies to increase sales, distribution, and market presence.
• Analyze sales and purchase-order data to identify growth opportunities.
• Evaluate account performance, trends, and profitability.
• Lead customer business reviews and sales presentations.
• Develop and execute promotional programs.
• Provide sales forecasts and input for demand and production planning.
• Partner with leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies.
• Resolve customer issues and support successful sales execution.
• Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, production, and leadership.
• Travel locally or regionally as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field.
• 3-7 years of sales or key account management experience.
• Pet Specialty, Pet CPG, Food & Beverage, or related consumer-products experience preferred.
• Experience working with retail headquarters, regional offices, and/or distributors.
• Strong business-development and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to analyze sales data and identify growth opportunities.
• Experience creating and delivering customer presentations.
• Strong forecasting, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external partners.
• Comfortable working in-office in Oak Brook, IL.

Compensation

$80,000-$100,000 base salary + two discretionary bonuses.

Additional company and benefit information will be provided to qualified candidates during the interview process.

Why Consider This Opportunity

Join a growing premium brand where you’ll have the opportunity to manage important customer relationships while directly influencing sales growth, distribution, promotions, and account strategy.

If you're a successful Key Account Manager, National Account Manager, Account Manager, Territory Manager, or CPG sales professional who enjoys building customer relationships while finding new ways to grow the business, we'd like to hear from you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.