Key Account Manager, West Coast (Food & Beverage CPG)

Who is Basemakers?

Basemakers is one of the most trusted retail sales management companies in the food and beverage industry. After hitting the INC 500/5000 list of the fastest growing privately-held companies in America three consecutive times, we’re expanding our sales services to continue our growth. At the heart of our success is our unwavering belief in the transformative power of relationships—this is the ethos that propels us forward. We are not just a company; we are a dynamic force for change, partnering with trailblazing brands like Oli Pop, Chomps, and Guayaki. These partnerships help turn innovative products into household names. Our approach goes beyond retail sales and merchandising; we forge deep connections with brands, communities, and individuals who are driven to make a meaningful impact. Join Basemakers, and be part of a team that’s reshaping the world of CPG, one relationship at a time.

Be a Basemaker

Our Basemakers Team Members Are Committed To Holding Ourselves To The Highest Standards Of Performance In The Industry And Living Our Core PITCH Values

• P - We PURSUE EXCELLENCE
• I - We act with INTEGRITY
• T - We choose TEAMWORK
• C - We COMMUNICATE WELL
• H - We bring HEART
  
  

The Opportunity

Basemakers is seeking a Key Account Manager for the West Coast (located in California) to join our elite brokerage team! As a critical role in representing our brand partners within the retail space, you have a special focus and experience fostering and maintaining relationships with key retail partners across California. This role is one of the founding team members of our new sales management/brokerage division with significant growth opportunities and increased compensation in record times. We’re looking to build “the avengers” of CPG sales, hiring A-Players only who are committed to performing at the highest level. If you are up for the challenge, come work with us!

Key Responsibilities

• Retailer Relationship Management & Distributor Contacts: Leverage your existing relationships, and build and maintain new relationships with buyers, category managers of retail partners, and distributor contacts such as UNFI.
• Key Account Management: Establish and maintain relationships with key decision makers, category managers and foragers at Gelson's, Mother's, Lassen's, Bristol Farms, Mollie Stone's, Andronico's, Erewhon, Lunardi's, Oliver's, and Nuggets.
• Distribution Expansion & New Market Opportunities: Identify opportunities to expand product distribution across all retail accounts and develop new market opportunities, including new brands to represent.
• New Product Submissions & Buyer Approvals: Facilitate the introduction of new products into retail assortments and secure buyer approvals for new lines/SKUs.
• Reporting & Data Analysis: Generate periodic reports with insights on sales performance, in-store promotions, and stock levels. Review and collect portal and velocity data for brand partners, providing actionable insights.
• Promotional Planning & Strategy: Develop and recommend strategic promotional plans for key brand partners. Collaborate with brand partners and retailers to execute effective promotional strategies.
• Industry Monitoring: Keep track of portfolio competitors' activities like new items, pricing, and packaging and other shifts in the category..
• Forecasting & Reporting: Work with brand partners and retail demand planning teams to align product availability with promotional calendars. Update Monday.com with submissions and calendars.
• Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement: Address challenges raised by retailers or brand partners. Work with the team to continuously improve effectiveness, productivity, and service to our principals.
• Category Management & Shopper Marketing Collaboration: Analyze market trends in collaboration with our management team for brand partners within key accounts you are managing.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience with a strong understanding of the retail landscape in the food and beverage industry.
• Proven experience required as a Key Account Manager, including strong relationships at small chain grocery stores (Gelson's, Mother's, Lassens, Bristol Farms, Mollie Stone's, Andronico's, Erewhon, Lunardi's, Oliver's, and Nuggets).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of distributor management, primarily UNFI.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and digital marketing platforms.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of strategic thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel as required.
  
  

Benefits You'll Enjoy

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k plan with 15% employer match of contributions, up to 5% of total compensation.
• Frontloaded PTO.
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• 8 paid holidays.
• Monthly stipends to recognize and be recognized by others.
• Company events: quarterly get-togethers, annual all-company meetings.
  
  

This role is vital for the success of our brand partners and our company, requiring someone with a track record of success with a strong passion for the food and beverage industry. If this sounds like you, come join our team!