Sr Key Account Executive

Utz is seeking a Sr Key Account Executive to join our grocery sales team. In this role, you’ll own and expand partnerships with large, multi-store retail customers, uncover new distribution opportunities, and accelerate profitable sales across assigned brands. You’ll work cross-functionally to shape joint business plans, build winning trade programs, and deliver execution with Field Operations teams. If you bring an entrepreneurial mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for customer success, we’d love to meet you. This role will be calling on Kroger HQ. 

What you’ll do

• Own and grow key retail accounts—expanding distribution, improving in-store execution, and delivering against quota.
• Build joint business plans (AOP/JBP) and annual OGSMs by aligning customer priorities with company goals.
• Develop winning trade strategies and manage trade investment using BluePlanner to forecast volume and deliver the trade budget.
• Identify incremental growth opportunities using internal tools and syndicated data (e.g., IRI/Nielsen).
• Lead account forecasting and partner with Revenue Management and Field Operations to drive results across DTW and DSD.
• Communicate performance and market insights through regular reporting, customer updates, and industry engagement.

What you’ll bring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college (business focus preferred).

Experience

• 7+ years of CPG sales experience with direct key account ownership.
• 4+ years experience with the Kroger customer
• Experience across channels and routes to market (DTW, Master Distributors, and/or DSD preferred).
• 3+ years using syndicated data (IRI/Nielsen) to generate insights and drive growth recommendations.
• Proven ability to build customer sales plans/JBPs and negotiate using data, customer knowledge, and product expertise.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft business tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and comfort working heavily on a computer.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to influence and negotiate with senior customer stakeholders.
• Experience with IRI/Nielsen data and shopper insights; skilled in trade promotion planning, presentations, and customer business planning.
• Collaborative style with the ability to build trust and work effectively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to assess risk and operating costs and present sound commercial recommendations based on customer volume and profitability.

Our External Recruitment Process   

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.  

• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.  

• Video Interview (20-25 mins): Selected candidates will be invited to complete a convenient video interview.  

• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture. 

Continuously Pursuing Excellence! 

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients.  After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement.  We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives.  Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more.  Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale! 

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.