Key Account Manager - Pet Specialty

Key Account Manager – Pet Specialty
Location: Oak Brook, IL (In-Office)
Reports to: Sr. Sales Manager
Category Focus: Pet Specialty

About Inaba Foods (USA) Inc.
Inaba Foods is a manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, toppers, and complements, deeply rooted in a family tradition of excellence that spans generations. Since 1958, pet parents have trusted Inaba to deliver products that are human-grade, nutrient-rich, and designed to bring joy to pets.

Today, Inaba is the most popular brand of premium cat and dog dinners and treats in Japan, with growing distribution throughout the United States and globally. Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. continues to expand its footprint, invest in talent, and build long-term partnerships across the pet industry, supported by the stability and vision of our Japanese parent company.

Position Summary
Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. is seeking a Key Account Manager – Pet to develop and manage strategic relationships at the headquarters and regional level with national and regional retailers, as well as distributors, within the Pet Specialty channel. This role is responsible for driving growth, expanding distribution, and strengthening long-term partnerships while collaborating closely with internal teams to execute sales strategies.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Oak Brook, IL, as required by company leadership.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Grow distribution and sales volume within assigned Pet Specialty accounts
• Strengthen distributor relationships to expand market presence and execution
• Become a trusted partner to customers through strategic planning and consistent engagement
• Contribute to category growth through promotions, pricing strategies, and market insights
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support forecasting, production planning, and account strategy

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers and distributors, nurturing existing business and driving incremental growth
• Analyze historical and current purchase order data to project sales, assess profitability, and identify growth opportunities
• Lead and participate in customer business reviews and market presentations
• Maintain regular engagement with accounts to ensure customer needs are met or exceeded
• Execute promotional strategies and programs to drive volume and brand visibility
• Provide sales forecasts and input for production and demand planning
• Collaborate with executive leadership on pricing, promotions, quotes, and account strategies
• Resolve customer issues related to product, service, or sales execution
• Monitor competitive activity, market trends, and merchandising techniques
• Manage expenses in alignment with budgeted guidelines
• Demonstrate a growth-oriented, proactive sales approach focused on building and expanding strategic relationships
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and ethical standards while representing Inaba in a professional manner
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field
• 3-7 years of experience in sales within Pet Specialty, Food & Beverage, or adjacent CPG categories
• Experience calling on headquarters, regional offices, and/or managing distributor relationships
• Strong ability to analyze trends, data, and sales performance metrics
• Proficiency in creating compelling PowerPoint sales presentations
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Experience working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners
• Ability to travel locally or regionally as needed, including time spent in the field
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record, in accordance with company policy
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Why Join Inaba Foods

• Growing U.S. business with expanding distribution and increasing market presence
• Long-term stability and leadership from a well-established Japanese parent company
• Opportunity to manage meaningful accounts and influence growth strategy
• Collaborative, professional environment with a strong brand reputation

Inaba Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws, including California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.