Key Account Executive: Great Lakes Area

Key Account Executive

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a Key Account Executive to join our Sales team in the Great Lakes Area. We are opened to applicants near Akron, OH, Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH. 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 executionengaging 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.

This position will call on a mix of grocery and small c store accounts consisting of: Marc Glassman, Dave's Supermarkets, Apple's, Kuhn's, Miller's Supermarkets, Kwik fill, etc.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring team to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

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.