Job Description: Key Account Manager (KAM) – Sauce Essentials
Position Overview:
Sauce Essentials, a leader in the All-In-One (AIO) cannabis category as well as a significant portfolio of other cannabis categories and operating across eight states, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Key Account Manager (KAM) to spearhead the acquisition, management, and growth of influential key accounts. This role is pivotal in strengthening our market presence by building robust relationships with strategic retail, dispensary, and distribution partners, while driving portfolio expansion and ensuring operational excellence. The KAM will play a critical role in crafting promotional strategies, maintaining product availability, and achieving revenue targets in the highly competitive cannabis industry.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in account management and CPG sales, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. This role offers a competitive base salary of $85,000 annually, with a 3% commission on remitted sales, providing significant earning potential for top performers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Acquisition and Onboarding of Influential Key Accounts:
- Identify and target high-potential retail and distribution partners across Sauce Essentials’ eight-state distribution network (specific states to be provided during onboarding), focusing on partners with significant market influence.
- Develop tailored pitches and proposals to onboard new key accounts, showcasing the value of Sauce Essentials portfolio of products and their competitive edge in quality, innovation, and consumer demand.
- Negotiate terms of partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with company goals and profitability targets.
- Relationship Management and Retention:
- Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for assigned key accounts, fostering long-term, collaborative relationships built on trust and exceptional service.
- Conduct regular check-ins, site visits, and business reviews with accounts to assess performance, address challenges, and identify opportunities for growth.
- Resolve issues promptly, including product concerns, delivery delays, or regulatory compliance, ensuring partner satisfaction and loyalty.
- Portfolio Expansion and Product Placement:
- Drive the adoption of Sauce Essentials’ full portfolio of cannabis products within key accounts, strategically positioning new and existing SKUs to maximize shelf space and consumer visibility.
- Collaborate with accounts to develop customized product assortments that cater to their customer demographics, market trends, and sales data.
- Work closely with Sauce Essentials’ marketing and product development teams to introduce limited-edition products, seasonal offerings, or innovative formats tailored to key accounts’ needs.
- Promotional Strategy and Execution:
- Design and implement effective promotional strategies for key accounts, determining frequency, scope, and budget allocation to optimize ROI and drive sales.
- Partner with marketing teams to create co-branded campaigns, in-store displays, and promotional events that enhance brand awareness and consumer engagement.
- Monitor the effectiveness of promotional programs through sales data and account feedback, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Inventory Management and Out-of-Stock (OOS) Control:
- Proactively monitor inventory levels at key accounts to ensure consistent product availability, maintaining OOS rates below company-defined thresholds (specific targets to be shared during onboarding).
- Collaborate with leadership to forecast demand, coordinate timely deliveries, and address potential stock shortages before they impact sales.
- Implement contingency plans with accounts to mitigate disruptions caused by supply chain challenges or regulatory constraints.
- Sales Growth and Revenue Optimization:
- Develop and execute account-specific sales strategies to increase market share, drive revenue growth, and achieve quarterly and annual sales targets.
- Analyze sales performance data, market trends, and customer feedback to identify untapped opportunities, optimize product placement, and recommend pricing adjustments.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, and promotional agreements with key accounts to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive positioning.
- Market Intelligence and Competitor Analysis:
- Continuously monitor competitor activity, including pricing, product launches, and promotional campaigns, to identify risks and opportunities for Sauce Essentials.
- Stay informed of market conditions, consumer trends, and regulatory changes across the eight-state distribution network, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
- Leverage industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to gather intelligence and strengthen Sauce Essentials’ position in the market.
- Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:
- Ensure all account management and sales activities comply with federal, state, and local cannabis regulations, including packaging, labeling, and distribution requirements.
- Educate key accounts on regulatory updates and best practices to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions to their operations.
- Maintain accurate records of sales agreements, communications, and promotional activities to support audits and regulatory reviews.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Reporting:
- Partner with internal teams, including marketing, supply chain, product development, and finance, to align account strategies with company-wide objectives and ensure seamless execution.
- Provide senior leadership with regular sales forecasts, performance reports, and market insights, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
- Participate in strategic planning sessions to contribute to the development of Sauce Essentials’ broader sales and growth strategies.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in key account management, sales, or business development within the CPG industry. Experience in the cannabis sector is strongly preferred but not required.
- Proven Success: Demonstrated track record of managing large-scale retail or distribution accounts with measurable sales growth and strong partner retention.
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the cannabis market, including consumer trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory frameworks across multiple states a definite plus.
- Skills:
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills to manage diverse stakeholders and drive consensus.
- Strong analytical abilities to interpret sales data, market trends, and customer feedback, translating insights into actionable strategies.
- Proficiency in CRM systems, Google Suite or Microsoft Office, and sales analytics tools to manage accounts and report progress.
- Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and adaptable to the fast-paced, ever-evolving cannabis industry. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
- Travel: Willingness to travel as needed (up to 50% of the time) to manage accounts, attend industry events, and conduct site visits across Sauce Essentials’ eight-state distribution network.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: $85,000 annually.
- Commission Structure: 3% commission on remitted sales, providing significant earning potential for high performers.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; and opportunities for professional development.
Why Join Sauce Essentials?
Sauce Essentials is a trailblazer in the AIO cannabis space, committed to delivering high-quality, innovative products that resonate with consumers across our eight-state distribution network. As a Key Account Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to shape our growth strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and make a tangible impact in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Join a passionate, forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued, and your career can thrive.
