Key Account Manager CPG Food - Career Growth Role in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is a solid mid-level Key Account Manager (KAM) role within the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry, specifically in the competitive Hispanic food import segment. Here is what professionals should know:
- Compensation: No salary is listed, but KAM roles in CPG/food nationally typically range from $70,000–$110,000 base, with performance bonuses. The lack of posted salary is a mild yellow flag — ask about total comp and commission structure during screening.
- Skills developed: Syndicated data analysis (IRI/Nielsen), trade promotion management, national grocery negotiations, and bilingual selling are highly transferable and in-demand skills across the CPG industry.
- Career trajectory: This role is a strong stepping stone to Senior KAM, National Sales Director, or VP of Sales within food/CPG companies. Hispanic food is a high-growth segment with strong retailer interest.
- Green flags: Exposure to major national retailers (Safeway, Ahold, Sprouts), cross-functional collaboration, and ownership of full P&L-adjacent responsibilities (pricing, AR) provide real career development.
- Red flags to watch: "Other duties as assigned" and co-responsibility for Accounts Receivable suggest a lean team where roles may blend — clarify workload and headcount during interviews.
- Work-life balance: 30–35% travel is significant; factor this into your personal lifestyle assessment.
Bilingual English-Spanish is a genuine differentiator in this role and will be increasingly valuable as Hispanic food continues outpacing general grocery growth.
Responsible for prospecting, selling, pricing, and profitability. The sales area is National, covering Key National Accounts (Safeway Albertsons, Ahold, Sprouts, etc.). The portfolio consists of innovative Hispanic food products imported from Mexico and Latin America. This role develops new business by analyzing account potential, initiating, developing, and closing the sales cycle. Collaborates with Category Managers and Buyers to ensure successful execution of negotiations at the point of sale.
Essential Job Functions
- Develop sales and marketing strategies to support new distribution. Utilize syndicated data (IRI/Nielsen) to identify trends and opportunities and build compelling sales pitch presentations.
- Handle pricing definition and promotional strategy to ensure trial and velocity, including setting up demos, coupons, sponsorships, etc.
- Coordinate key food shows (customers and/or industry) — attend and promote products.
- Coordinate product samples and tastings for meetings with key account buyers.
- Responsible for opening and securing new accounts; set up vendor forms and items in customer portals.
- Set up delivery schedules directly to customer warehouses, or identify and work with key brokers/distributors/other Sigma DSD offices to reach desired store count.
- Interact with replenishment buyers; responsible for maintaining a good service level and coordinating with the internal supply chain team to minimize customer disruptions.
- Prepare reports and scorecards in Excel and PowerPoint by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information. Forecast product demand (bookings).
- Co-responsible for Account Receivables.
- Collaborate with other KAMs, Marketing, and Trade Marketing on business synergies and strategies.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or three (3) years of work-related experience.
- Three years of experience in selling/account management in consumer goods.
- Bilingual English-Spanish.
License/Certifications
- N/A
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in National Accounts — Grocery for consumer goods (food/snacking).
- SAP knowledge.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of pricing structures and promotion/trade expenses & planning.
- Knowledge of inventory management.
- Knowledge of tracking/improving KPIs (volume, velocity, etc.).
- Ability to set up new accounts.
- Strong verbal, written, and negotiation skills.
- Strong technical and analytical skills (analyze syndicated and customer portal data).
- Ability to work within a matrix organization.
- Advanced MS Office skills (Excel and PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of the food and grocery industry.
Environmental and Working Conditions
- Travel frequently — up to 30–35% of the time.
- Able to try and sample a wide variety of food products (dairy, meats, nuts, sweets, and others) in order to represent them and recommend applications.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to carry a load of 30 pounds.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- And more...
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sigma Foods and the Bar-S brand are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Key Account Manager role fully remote?
What national retail accounts will I be managing?
Is bilingual Spanish required or just preferred?
What is the salary range for this position?
What experience is needed to qualify for this role?
