National Account Manager I

National Account Manager I

Drive Growth. Lead Strategy. Build Powerful Retail Partnerships.

We are seeking a results-driven National Accounts Sales Leader with deep experience managing big box retail partners such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Kroger, Meijer, and similar national accounts. This role is ideal for a strategic sales professional who thrives in complex retail environments, excels at relationship management, and brings strong category, business, and financial acumen to drive sustained growth.

You will lead the National Accounts function, shaping strategy, strengthening executive-level partnerships, and delivering profitable growth through data-driven insights, negotiation excellence, and cross-functional leadership.

What You'll Do

Strategic Account Leadership & Growth

• Own and execute national account strategies to deliver revenue, profit, and organic growth targets
• Lead annual and multi-year business planning, including sales forecasting, quotas, and P&L ownership
• Identify and secure new business opportunities within major big box retailers
• Drive category growth strategies leveraging POS, inventory, and shopper insights

Big Box Retail Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key decision-makers at accounts like Lowe's, Home Depot, Kroger, and Meijer
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary liaison for national account partners
• Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs), annual line reviews, and executive-level presentations
• Influence customer strategies through data storytelling, category expertise, and market insights

Category & Business Acumen

• Analyze POS and inventory data to identify opportunities for growth, SKU rationalization, and innovation
• Partner with internal teams to design planograms, promotions, and merchandising strategies
• Translate data into actionable recommendations that improve sell-through, margin, and customer value
• Maintain deep knowledge of product lines, competitive landscape, and retail trends

Negotiation & Influence

• Lead high-impact negotiations with national retailers, balancing profitability and long-term partnership value
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to align on strategic initiatives and execution plans
• Drive successful program rollouts, new item launches, and resets

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop account managers and field service teams
• Collaborate closely with marketing, supply chain, and field service to ensure seamless execution
• Partner with Field Service to optimize in-store performance and account procedures
• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in accountability and continuous improvement

Operational Excellence

• Oversee account operations, logistics coordination, and store-level execution
• Support trade shows, customer events, and new store openings
• Ensure alignment with company policies, safety standards, and compliance requirements

What You Bring

Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or 5+ years' experience in Big Box retail environment
• Proven success working with national retailers such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Kroger, Meijer, etc.
• Demonstrated ownership of large-scale accounts, revenue growth, and strategic planning

Core Capabilities

• Strategic Relationship Management Builds trust, credibility, and long-term partnerships at all levels
• Category & Business Acumen Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into growth strategies
• Negotiation & Influence Skilled at driving outcomes in complex, high-stakes environments
• Leadership & Team Development Coaches and develops high-performing teams
• Resilience & Execution Thrives under pressure while maintaining focus and optimism

* This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Employees are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including immediately reporting hazards, immediately reporting unsafe work practices and incidents to supervisors, wearing required personal protective equipment, and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

The Hillman Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.