Strategic Key Account Manager – Target Retail Beverage Team | National Accounts Sales Leadership

About arenaflex

Welcome to arenaflex Sales, where we are transforming the landscape of food and beverage retail across North America. As part of arenaflex North America Beverages (NAB), you will join a dynamic team responsible for some of the world's most recognizable and beloved beverage brands. We are more than just a company – we are a movement of innovators, strategists, andResults-driven professionals united by a shared vision to deliver exceptional products to millions of consumers every day.

At arenaflex, we believe that success is earned through determination, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our culture thrives on the principles of purpose-driven performance, where every team member is empowered to blaze new trails, challenge conventions, and never settle for anything less than extraordinary. Whether we're launching groundbreaking new products, forging strategic partnerships with retail giants, or analyzing market trends to stay ahead of the curve, we do it all with passion and precision.

Our North America Beverages division represents the heartbeat of arenaflex's beverage operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We manufacture, sell, and distribute an incredible portfolio of brands that have become household names. This position sits within our National Retail Sales Organization, specifically serving our Target Team – one of our most strategic andvalued retail partnerships. If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career with an industry leader, we invite you to explore the possibilities at arenaflex.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking a talented and motivated Key Account Manager to join our Target Beverages Customer Team. This is a exceptional opportunity for a strategic thinker with a passion for sales and relationship management to drive the success of our chilled beverage portfolio within one of America's largest retail chains.

As a Key Account Manager at arenaflex, you will serve as the primary liaison between our organization and our key retail partners, specifically focusing on the Warehouse distributed businesses at Target. Your portfolio will include our Mainstream Chilled, Premium Nutrition, and Gatorade/Propel portfolios – representing some of the most dynamic and fastest-growing categories in the beverage industry. You will be responsible for developing and executing selling strategies that drive revenue growth, strengthen customer relationships, and deliver against ambitious brand performance targets.

This role requires a unique blend of analytical prowess, relationship-building skills, and strategic vision. You will be expected to develop comprehensive account plans that create compelling sales proposals, foster profitable account development, and ensure alignment with our overall business objectives. Regular internal presentations to senior leadership will be a key component of this role, requiring exceptional communication and influencing skills.

Key Responsibilities

As a Key Account Manager on our Target Beverages Customer Team, you will be entrusted with critical responsibilities that directly impact our market success:

• Drive Financial Performance: Deliver against Net Revenue, Variable Gross Profit, and Share targets by utilizing fact-based selling methods and data-driven insights. You will be accountable for the financial success of your assigned categories within the Target account.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customer contacts across multiple levels of the organization. Your ability to understand their needs and align our strategies will be crucial to your success.
• Activate Marketplace Initiatives: Lead the implementation of local, regional, and national marketplace initiatives and promotions. You will play a pivotal role in building brand development and maximizing brand performance, with a particular emphasis on innovation and new product launches.
• Lead Customer Planning Events: Active participation in key Customer Planning events including Discovery sessions and Beverage Immersion programs. These events are critical for aligning strategies and showcasing our product innovations.
• Develop Joint Business Plans: Partner with Leadership, Finance, and the Customer to develop Joint Business Plans that align with internal Annual Operating Plans (AOP). You will ensure strategic coherence between our objectives and our customer's goals.
• Optimize Operations: Work closely with the arenaflex Warehouse Operations teams to improve overall customer satisfaction and Guest experience. Your collaboration with operations will ensure seamless product availability and delivery.
• Brand and Marketing Collaboration: Effective engagement with Brand and Marketing Teams to ensure our go-to-market strategies are aligned with brand objectives and market opportunities.
• Promotional Funding Management: Lead the promo funding process for assigned brands/categories, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and maximum return on investment.
• Business Analysis: Analyze business trends to develop comprehensive business growth strategies. You will use market intelligence and sales data to identify opportunities and threats.
• Sales Planning Tools: Own and manage Sales Planning tools for Warehouse Beverage Businesses, ensuring accurate forecasting and strategic planning capabilities.

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field
• Two to Five Years of proven fact-based direct selling experience
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to travel as needed to support customer meetings, events, and internal planning sessions

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will bring a wealth of experience and skills that enable them to excel in this dynamic role:

• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Experience: Prior experience in the CPG industry, preferably in beverage or food categories, with a strong understanding of retail dynamics and channel strategies.
• Strong Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated history of building and maintaining strategic customer relationships. You should be comfortable navigating complex organizational structures.
• Financial Acumen: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, understand P&L statements, and make data-driven decisions that impact the bottom line.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Sales leadership.
• Project Management: The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong ability to learn and effectively utilize information systems and data platforms. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word is required.
• Self-Motivation: High level of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while still being a collaborative team player.
• Data Analysis Skills: Experience with syndicated data tools (such as IRI or Nielsen) is a significant plus. You should be comfortable working with large datasets and drawing actionable insights.
• Presentation Skills: Comfortable conducting regular internal presentations to senior management to ensure alignment on plans and strategies.

Skills & Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term account strategies that align with both customer objectives and arenaflex business goals.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation abilities to secure favorable terms and build mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Results Orientation: A proven track record of meeting or exceeding targets and driving measurable business outcomes.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and respond effectively to changing market conditions.
• Innovation Mindset: Creative thinking to identify opportunities and develop innovative solutions to challenges.

Career Growth & Development

At arenaflex, we are deeply invested in the professional development of our team members. As a Key Account Manager on our Target Beverages Customer Team, you will have access to unparalleled growth opportunities:

• Career Advancement: This role serves as a springboard for broader leadership positions within our Sales organization. Top performers regularly progress into Director-level roles, Regional leadership positions, and beyond.
• Learning Opportunities: Gain exposure to all aspects of beverage sales, from category management to strategic planning, while working with one of the industry's most respected retail teams.
• Skill Development: Receive comprehensive training on our systems, processes, and best practices. You'll develop expertise in category leadership, joint business planning, and strategic account management.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Work alongside teams in Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain, gaining a holistic understanding of how a Fortune 500 company operates.
• Industry Expertise: Become an expert in the rapidly evolving beverage industry, with deep knowledge of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment where creativity and results go hand in hand. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, inclusion, and shared purpose:

• Team Spirit: Join a supportive team of professionals who collaborate, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges together.
• Innovation Focus: We encourage innovative thinking and fresh ideas. Your voice matters, and we value contributions at every level.
• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balance and offer flexible work arrangements where possible.
• Inclusive Culture: arenaflex is committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe our differences make us stronger and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds.
• Industry Leadership: Be part of a company that leads the industry in innovation, sustainability, and brand building.

Compensation & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent:

• Base Salary: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual Bonus: Performance-based annual bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full health, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance and disability protection.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Access to training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career development resources.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on arenaflex products and participating retailer partners.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have the passion, skills, and drive to succeed in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment? If so, we want to hear from you!

At arenaflex, we believe in performing with purpose – achieving exceptional results while making a positive impact on our communities and our industry. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger, to work with world-class brands, and to grow your career with an industry leader.

We are looking for individuals who are hungry for success, eager to learn, and ready to make their mark. If you thrive on challenge, excel in collaborative environments, and are committed to delivering excellence every day, you will find a home at arenaflex.

Apply today and discover the possibilities of a career with arenaflex!

arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.