Come join our AFC Team!
Position Overview
The National Strategic Account Manager will be responsible for leading both the growth of new business opportunities and the deep development of existing client relationships. This hybrid role blends high-level strategic sales execution with a strong emphasis on account retention, expansion, and service excellence. The successful candidate will drive incremental revenue through consultative selling, develop and optimize partnerships with key accounts, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation and continued success of client programs.
Job Responsibilities
Account Development & Retention
- Serve as the primary contact for key accounts, building long-term trusted relationships.
- Analyze account performance and identify opportunities for growth, upsell, or cross-sell.
- Develop and execute account-specific growth plans in collaboration with internal teams.
- Monitor customer satisfaction and proactively resolve issues to strengthen loyalty.
Strategic Sales & Business Development
- Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities across retail, food service, healthcare, and other targeted channels.
- Create compelling, data-informed sales proposals aligned with customer needs and company capabilities.
- Build executive-level relationships both vertically and horizontally within client organizations.
- Lead negotiations and manage full sales cycle from prospecting to execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with operations, marketing and product teams to align account strategies with overall business goals.
- Support and guide field teams with account insights.
- Drive the execution of new product introductions, merchandising initiatives, and strategic marketing campaigns.
- Mediate client-franchisee challenges by working collaboratively with Field Ops and internal stakeholders.
Performance Tracking & Reporting
- Set and monitor quarterly goals and KPIs for assigned accounts.
- Provide regular reporting on account performance, revenue forecasts, and pipeline health.
- Stay current on competitor activity to identify new opportunities and threats.
- Collaborate with Operations to develop action plans for underperforming accounts/franchisees
Client Experience Excellence
- Act as a proactive problem solver for client concerns and operational challenges.
- Ensure high levels of customer service are consistently delivered.
- Other related duties as assigned by management.
Rewards & Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays, including a Floating Birthday Holiday
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (100% employee self-coverage paid by AFC)
- Annual Bonus Opportunity (Discretionary)
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Employee Anniversary Milestone Gift
- Bereavement Leave
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Other Employee Discounts
- Opportunities to participate in team events and community activities
Key Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in national account management, strategic sales, or business development.
- Proven ability to grow large accounts and close new business.
- Experience working with national retailer or food service providers (Direct management of Kroger, Albertsons, and/or Canadian grocers highly desired)
- Exceptional relationship management and negotiation skills.
- Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Ability to travel up to 40% nationally.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Ideal Candidate Profile
A commercially driven individual who balances strategic thinking with tactical execution, excels in both client-facing interactions and internal collaboration, and is passionate about creating value for both the company and its customers.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
