Strategic Account Manager

Location: Modesto, 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. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!

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.

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site!

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.