Senior Key Account Manager – Strategic Customer Sales & Channel Growth – Northeast Region – arenaflex
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About arenaflex
arenaflex is a fast‑moving, high‑energy leader in the premium sports‑drink category, driven by a bold vision to become the number‑one choice for athletes and active consumers worldwide. Backed by the heritage, resources, and global reach of one of the world’s most iconic beverage families, arenaflex blends entrepreneurial spirit with deep industry expertise. Our brand is built on performance, innovation, and a relentless commitment to refresh the world while making a measurable difference in the lives of our consumers.
Why This Role Matters
As the Senior Key Account Manager – Northeast, you will be the strategic catalyst that connects arenaflex’s innovative product portfolio with the most influential grocery and mass‑retail partners in the region. You will own the full lifecycle of key accounts—from vision setting and joint business planning to negotiation, execution, and performance analysis—ensuring that arenaflex not only meets but exceeds its revenue, volume, and market‑share objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Development & Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the primary business liaison for top‑tier grocery customers such as Price Chopper NY, Tops, Big Y, Market Basket, and other assigned accounts.
- Craft and communicate a compelling vision and multi‑year strategy that aligns arenaflex’s brand objectives with each retailer’s growth priorities.
- Design and implement joint business planning models that integrate sales forecasts, promotional calendars, assortment strategies, and innovation pipelines.
- Drive the execution of annual plans, delivering on‑track topline results (revenue, volume, share) while managing trade spend and travel & entertainment (T&E) budgets.
- Lead annual negotiations to secure partnership agreements that balance profitability with long‑term market positioning.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including Marketing, Innovation, Supply Chain, and Finance—to develop winning selling stories, merchandising tactics, and shelf‑placement strategies.
- Maintain rigorous performance reporting, identify gaps, and proactively recommend corrective actions to keep accounts on target.
- Leverage senior‑level relationships at each retailer to champion arenaflex’s brand, drive shelf‑space wins, and influence category strategy.
System Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Participate in arenaflex’s core customer routines (CCLT, Customer Core Teams) to share plan updates, performance metrics, and action plans.
- Partner closely with arenaflex’s North America Operating Unit (NAOU) and bottler leadership to synchronize mutual customer initiatives and maximize joint results.
- Provide continuous feedback to internal stakeholders, ensuring that marketing, innovation, and commercial plans are fully aligned with retailer needs.
- Facilitate seamless communication across all functional groups, acting as the conduit for customer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence.
Organizational & People Development
- Mobilize cross‑functional resources—selling stories, consumer insights, revenue‑growth management tools—to deliver best‑in‑class service to each account.
- Manage the department’s annual T&E budget, ensuring spend aligns with strategic priorities and delivers measurable ROI.
- Mentor junior team members, sharing best practices in account management, data‑driven storytelling, and negotiation tactics.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 5 years of direct sales experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with a proven record of success selling into national and regional grocery channels.
- Demonstrated ability to build and nurture strategic relationships with senior buyers and category managers at national retailers.
- Expertise in mining syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI) and translating insights into compelling, fact‑based narratives.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and strong analytical capabilities in Power BI and Tableau.
- Self‑motivated, highly organized, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and senior external partners.
- Valid driver’s license, clean motor‑vehicle record, and willingness to travel up to 50% of the time (both by car and plane).
- Availability to attend bi‑annual in‑person company retreats and regional meetings.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Attributes
- Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar accounts and delivering year‑over‑year growth in highly competitive categories.
- Track record of successfully negotiating complex trade agreements that balance volume growth with margin protection.
- Existing network of contacts with key decision‑makers (buyers, category managers, divisional leaders) within the Northeast grocery landscape.
- Passion for brand building, product innovation, and long‑term category development.
- Demonstrated agility in assessing business needs, developing action plans, and driving change across diverse stakeholder groups.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Channel Strategy & Retail Execution
- Data‑Driven Storytelling & Insight Generation
- Negotiation & Contract Management
- Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration
- Financial Acumen (Revenue, Trade Spend, Budget Management)
- Brand Positioning & Merchandising Excellence
- Advanced Analytical Tools (Power BI, Tableau, Nielsen/IRI)
- Strong Interpersonal & Influencing Skills
Compensation, Incentives & Benefits
arenaflex offers a competitive base salary range of $134,800 – $165,200, calibrated to geography, experience, and skill set. In addition to base pay, you will be eligible for an annual incentive program valued at approximately 30% of target earnings, tied directly to the achievement of agreed‑upon business objectives.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
- Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
- Wellness programs, employee assistance resources, and fitness subsidies.
- Professional development budgets, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry conferences.
- Employee stock purchase plans and performance‑based equity opportunities.
- Travel allowances, mobile device stipends, and expense‑management tools.
Career Growth & Development Opportunities
At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. As a senior leader, you will:
- Gain exposure to senior executive leadership across both arenaflex and its global bottling partners.
- Lead high‑visibility, cross‑functional initiatives that shape the future of the sports‑drink category.
- Access mentorship programs, leadership training, and rotational assignments that broaden your skill set.
- Participate in a clear promotion pathway that can lead to regional director, national account leadership, or strategic brand management roles.
Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex
arenaflex thrives on a culture of curiosity, empowerment, inclusivity, and agility. Our employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo, experiment with bold ideas, and collaborate across boundaries. We celebrate diversity, champion continuous learning, and invest in the well‑being of every team member.
Key cultural pillars include:
- Curious: We ask questions, seek data‑driven answers, and stay ahead of market trends.
- Empowered: Decision‑making authority is delegated to those closest to the customer.
- Inclusive: Diverse perspectives are valued, and every voice matters.
- Agile: We adapt quickly to changing consumer preferences and competitive dynamics.
Our collaborative office spaces in New York City feature open‑plan workstations, breakout zones for creative brainstorming, and state‑of‑the‑art meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. While the role requires significant travel, we support a balanced lifestyle through flexible scheduling and remote‑work options where feasible.
Application Process & Next Steps
If you are a results‑driven, strategic thinker with a passion for building iconic brands and a proven ability to win and grow key grocery accounts, we want to hear from you. Join arenaflex and become part of a purpose‑driven organization that is reshaping the future of sports nutrition.
To apply, please click the link below and submit your resume, cover letter, and any supporting materials that showcase your achievements in the CPG space.
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Equal Opportunity Statement
arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
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