Strategic Account Manager

Nelson-Jameson, Inc; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Annual clothing allowance

Wellness stipend

Company-provided cell phone

Job summary

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. currently seeks a Strategic Account Manager to service customers regionally across northern California.

This established territory has a solid base, and you will cultivate relationships, identify growth opportunities, and ensure customers experience the best of Nelson-Jameson. You will work with Inside and Technical Sales teams, suppliers, VMI, and logistics, traveling about 75% of days (home nightly) and 25% overnight (4–5 nights/month) in a company-issued vehicle to visit

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; 2+ years of B2B outside sales or food manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities; strong account development and territory farming.
• Independent, self-starter mindset with ability to manage a territory and schedule effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee an established territory with a strong customer base and meet or exceed gross margin growth targets.
• Build and maintain relationships with key contacts across accounts through regular on-site visits in northern CA and NV.
• Identify and target high-potential new customers to broaden Nelson-Jameson's presence in the region.
• Represent Nelson-Jameson's catalog of products and solutions, ensuring customers have access to required resources.
• Collaborate with Technical Sales Specialists to bring subject matter expertise to customer conversations.

Skills

B2B sales outside

Account growth

Communication

Independent/self-starter

ERP

CRM

MS Office

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

CRM software

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Location: Turlock, CA area with regional travel across northern CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: Base salary plus variable compensation with total earning potential of $110,000+

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, company-issued vehicle, and much more!

About Us

At Nelson-Jameson, we’ve been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we’d love to have you join us!

Job Summary

For more than 80 years, Nelson-Jameson has been a trusted partner to the food and dairy industries. We’re seeking a Strategic Account Manager to serve customers regionally across northern California. This established territory comes with a strong customer base, and we’re looking for someone ready to foster those relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure customers experience the very best of Nelson-Jameson.

As part of a dedicated Account Team, you’ll partner closely with our Inside and Technical Sales teams, suppliers, VMI teams, and logistics teams. With a company-issued vehicle, you’ll travel throughout your territory — about 75% day travel (home nightly) and 25% overnight travel (typically 4-5 nights per month) — to visit customers, represent our extensive catalog of products and solutions, and provide the knowledgeable, resourceful service that sets Nelson-Jameson apart.

This role requires a high degree of independence and initiative - a self-starter who thrives on managing their own schedule, building strong customer relationships, and communicating clearly and effectively across all levels of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Accounts & Growth: Oversee an established territory with a strong customer base, meeting or exceeding company benchmarks for gross margin growth while safeguarding and expanding existing business.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts at assigned accounts through regular on-site visits across western and northwestern Wisconsin in a company-issued vehicle.
• Expand Market Share: Proactively identify and target high-potential new customers, developing relationships that broaden Nelson-Jameson’s presence in the region.
• Promote NJ Catalog: Represent Nelson-Jameson’s extensive catalog of products and solutions — spanning sanitation, laboratory, processing, safety, ingredients, and packaging — ensuring customers have access to the right resources for their operations.
• Collaborate with Specialists: Partner with Technical Sales Specialists to bring subject matter expertise into customer conversations and provide value-added solutions.
• Deliver Exceptional Service: Uphold Nelson-Jameson’s standard that Above and Beyond is where we start by delivering the exceptional in every customer interaction.
• Communicate Effectively: Use strong communication skills to clearly share information, adapt to different audiences, and foster trust with both customers and internal teams.
• Work Independently: Demonstrate self-starter initiative and independence in managing territory, scheduling, and customer priorities with minimal oversight.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, You’ll Receive

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus variable compensation with total earning potential of $110,000+
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Company-provided cell phone & credit card
• Established sales territory
• Company-issued vehicle (available for both business and personal use)
• Autonomy & freedom to manage your own schedule
• And much more!

Qualifications & Skills

• Required:
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: 2+ years of B2B outside sales or food manufacturing.
  • Strong account development and territory farming skills.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
  • Independent, self-starter mindset with the ability to manage a territory and schedule effectively.
  • Proficiency with ERP, CRM, Microsoft Office, and basic computer skills.
  • Passion for timely and attentive customer service.
  • Travel: Ability to travel 75% of the time, primarily for daily regional visits across northern CA and Nevada (home nightly), with approximately 25% overnight travel (about 4-5 nights per month) and occasional trips to other regions of the U.S. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Preferred:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with distributors or manufacturers selling into industrial food/sanitary manufacturing facilities.
  • Familiarity with the food and dairy manufacturing industries, including an understanding of their processes, challenges, and regulatory requirements.
  • Production experience in food or sanitary manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with industrial product lines.

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.