Strategic Account Manager

Highland Brewing Company; North Carolina; Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland Brewing Company seeks a Strategic Account Manager to oversee Chain Key Accounts and Distributor Partners, focusing on market share growth. Key responsibilities include managing relationships, executing business plans, and supporting sales initiatives. The role offers opportunities to work with major retailers and enhance strategic partnerships in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Benefits

Free Beer

Vacation, PTO, Holidays

Health Insurance

401k Savings Plan

Qualifications

• 4+ years in Chain Key Account or distributor management experience required.
• Experience with alcoholic beverage suppliers or distributors is necessary.
• Knowledge of the three-tier distribution system.

Responsibilities

• Manage Chain and Key Strategic Accounts to drive volume and profitability.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support in-store activities.
• Strengthen relationships with distributors in NC, SC, TN, and GA.

Skills

Sales planning

Channel analysis

Trade marketing

Communication

Relationship-building

Analytical skills

Organizational abilities

Craft beer knowledge

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Account Manager – Chains & Distributors

Location: Remote. Charlotte or Raleigh-based is preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Sales Director and Chain Key Account Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Highland Brewing Company is seeking a dynamic and adaptable Strategic Account Manager with a Thirst for Good. This dual-role position focuses on managing both Chain Key Accounts and select Distributor Partners to drive sustainable and profitable market share growth.

Chain responsibilities include growing Highland's presence in Convenience Store Chains (e.g., 7-Eleven, Golden Pantry), On-Premise Chains (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings, Firebirds), and select Large Format Chains (e.g., Target, Kroger).

Distributor management will focus on strategic wholesalers in NC, SC, TN, and GA, executing annual business plans to meet volume and distribution goals. The role will be focused on remote management of distributors, rather than in-market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Chain Key Account Management

• Drive volume, share, and profitability in assigned Chain and Key Strategic Accounts (CKSA).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers at chain retailers.
• Assess current CKSA performance and develop strategies to close gaps in:
• SKU placement
• Shelf space and sets
• Promotional programming and execution
• Partner with internal Sales and Marketing teams to forecast, plan, and support in-store activities.
• Collaborate with the Key Account Manager to target and grow high-impact sales opportunities.
• Support CKSA category growth by identifying and aligning on top business priorities.
  
  

Distributor Management

• Manage assigned distributors in designated states.
• Execute the Annual Business Plan through volume, distribution, and promotional goals.
• Strengthen distributor relationships through regular, strategic communication.
• Guide distributors in aligning local execution with Highland's brand objectives.
  
  
  

Cross-Functional & Administrative

• Contribute to annual planning processes and performance reviews.
• Maintain internal processes to track and optimize CKSA initiatives.
• Lead development of SKU prioritization programs for key accounts.
• Represent Highland Brewing at events and with retail partners as needed.
• Promote Highland’s brand and Thirst for Good initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (4+ years in CKSA or distributor management)
• Required: Experience with alcoholic beverage suppliers or distributors
• Preferred: Experience managing distributors with a top-down strategy and leading headquarter chain calls
  
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of the three-tier distribution system
• Knowledge of sales planning, channel analysis, and trade marketing
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities
• Working knowledge of craft beer, including beer styles and flavor profiles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Presentation and public speaking skills
• Self-starter with high energy and a strong work ethics
  
  
  

Working Conditions

• Office work with extended periods at a desk
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to handle beer sampling and promotional materials
• Occasional evenings and weekends required
• Overnight travel may be required
  
  
  

What’s Included

• Free Beer
• Vacation, PTO, Holidays
• Health Insurance
• Bi-weekly salary
• 401k Savings Plan
• Additional perks for tenure
  
  
  

At-Will Employment: Employment with Highland Brewing Company may be terminated by either Highland or the employee at any time with or without cause or notice.