KEY Account Executive

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a Key Account Executive to join our Sales team near Pensacola, Florida. The Key Account Executive (KAE) is responsible for building and strengthening strategic relationships with retail partners within assigned area(s) of responsibility to drive sales growth and expand customer opportunities. This role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution—engaging key decision makers at multi‑store retailers, supporting onboarding processes, and providing tools to maximize sales and profitability. Acting as a trusted partner to both customers and internal Field Operations Teams, the KAE ensures seamless execution, fosters long‑term partnerships, and accelerates business performance. Responsibilities Build brand equity and profitably increase the sales volume on all assigned brands. Achieve assigned sales quota through the maintenance and expansion of distribution, merchandising and space improvements for each assigned brand. Build strategic partnerships with customers by integrating intercompany and the customer's strategic initiatives. Build fiscal AOP, JBP and set annual OGSMs (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, Measures). Balance, promote and leverage Utz solutions to meet our customers' needs via DTW and DSD. Fully leverage Trade System (BluePlanner) to plan investments, forecast volume and build optimized trade programming, investment and forecasts. Deliver trade budget. Identify opportunities to maintain and expand distribution on existing business and find unique opportunities for incremental sales and profit utilizing internal systems and IRI. Build strong cross‑functional partnerships internally, and consistently share best practices. Comply with all company policies, instructions, and directions for the fulfillment of company objectives. Own sales forecast by account to drive accurate financial and production planning working with the Revenue management team. Partner with distribution partners to drive mutual success through communication, involvement and ownership. Prepare and submit special reports, acceptance of products, or competitive conditions, as may be requested by management or as observed in the marketplace. Represent the company with effective verbal and written communication skills. Should be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences. Ensure observance of safe work practices to include the immediate work area, visits to customer sites and operation of a vehicle used for company business. Qualifications 5+ years proven sales experience in a related position within the consumer products goods industry with direct account responsibility. 3+ years' experience utilizing syndicated data; excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to analyze and evaluate several sources of data to develop actionable insights. 3+ years of CPG HQ calling experience. Prior background calling on accounts at the headquarter level is required. Experience both with DSD and Warehouse delivery systems required. Proven strategic selling experience. This position requires extensive use of computer equipment. Must have a demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft business software to include Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. This position requires the ability to travel and have overnight stays. Demonstrated skills in analytics, problem‑solving, verbal/written communication, influencing/negotiation, relationship‑building, strategic selling experience and collaboration. Skilled capabilities on IRI/Nielsen data/systems, shopper insights, trade promotion planning, presentation creation and delivery, and customer business planning. Bachelor's degree with a focus in business is preferred. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr