KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - PET SPECIALTY

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

Job summary

gpac is partnered with a growing premium CPG manufacturer seeking a Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty to join its sales team in Oak Brook, IL. The role focuses on managing strategic Pet Specialty customers and distributors, growing sales, and strengthening long-term relationships.

The ideal candidate has background in Pet Specialty, Pet CPG, Food & Beverage, or related consumer products category and will handle relationship management, business development, and account strategy.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of sales or key account management experience
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field
• Pet Specialty, CPG, Food & Beverage, or related industry experience preferred
• Experience working with retail headquarters, regional offices, and/or distributors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze sales data and identify business opportunities
• Experience creating and presenting PowerPoint sales presentations
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Experience working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to travel locally or regionally
• Must be 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 historical and current purchase order data to identify growth opportunities
• Evaluate sales performance, trends, and account profitability
• Lead and participate in customer business reviews and sales presentations
• Develop and execute promotional strategies and programs
• Provide sales forecasts and input for production and demand planning
• Partner with leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies
• Resolve customer issues related to products, service, or sales execution
• Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising strategies
• Maintain regular communication with customers and distributors
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal sales, operations, production, and leadership teams
• Manage expenses in accordance with company guidelines
• Travel locally or regionally as needed

Skills

Sales experience

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Negotiation

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Office suite

Job description

gpac is partnered with a growing premium CPG manufacturer seeking a Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty to join its sales team in Oak Brook, IL.

This role is responsible for managing strategic Pet Specialty customers and distributors while identifying opportunities to grow sales, expand distribution, and strengthen long-term customer relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a background in Pet Specialty, Pet CPG, Food & Beverage, or a related consumer products category and enjoy a combination of relationship management, business development, sales analysis, presentations, forecasting, and account strategy.

Salary is $80K-$100K depending on experience, plus two discretionary bonuses.

Key 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 historical and current purchase order data to identify growth opportunities
• Evaluate sales performance, trends, and account profitability
• Lead and participate in customer business reviews and sales presentations
• Develop and execute promotional strategies and programs
• Provide sales forecasts and input for production and demand planning
• Partner with leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies
• Resolve customer issues related to products, service, or sales execution
• Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising strategies
• Maintain regular communication with customers and distributors
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal sales, operations, production, and leadership teams
• Manage expenses in accordance with company guidelines
• Travel locally or regionally as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field
• 3-7 years of sales or key account management experience
• Pet Specialty, CPG, Food & Beverage, or related industry experience preferred
• Experience working with retail headquarters, regional offices, and/or distributors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze sales data and identify business opportunities
• Experience creating and presenting PowerPoint sales presentations
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Experience working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office - Ability to travel locally or regionally as needed
• Must be comfortable working in-office in Oak Brook, IL

Compensation

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

This is a confidential search. Additional company and benefit information will be provided to qualified candidates during the interview process.

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.